“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:38)

Well, I’m reunited with the grandkids; they’re staying at MaulHall for five days. But David’s all “Grandmama – grandmama – grandmama…” plus they brought their mother along with them – so the odds are more favorable in the event of any need for double (or triple) teaming.

They picked the best of spring weekends to roll into Wake Forest, so this morning we put both David and Beks into strollers and took the one-mile hike into downtown for “Meet in the Street.”

Meet in the Street is one more example of why being part of a small town is so seriously cool.

Three main streets closed off – plus the connectors. It was one massive street party, featuring art, vendors, crafts, live-music, food, activities, firetrucks, demonstrations, plus various-and-sundry distractions. The place was loaded with people, fun, festivity, and goodwill.

Wake Forest Presbyterian Church even had a booth. But apparently that wasn’t enough, because a gang of our youth spent the morning prowling the town center with leaflets, information, smiles, enthusiasm, and invitations to church.

I’ve said this before, but being in easy walking distance of a real, alive, happening town center is right up there with being a part of the life of a real, alive, happening church. Score two for us!

So we strolled around, did a lot of meeting in the street, and then hiked back to MaulHall before lunch.

Just a simple, carefree morning. One more reason to be grateful for my family, my church, my community – my stacked up and running over pile of rich blessings. “A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over…”

– DEREK