You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

2 Corinthians 9:11

Looking back, my past few posts have been fairly serious in terms of content. Primarily, I am a writer, and I believe (I hope) it is my words that have attracted almost 7,000 subscribers; I have important stuff to share, and I own this sense of mission when it comes to communicating. At the same time I understand that my readers are not looking for a deep dive every day!

So, even though today is not “Photo Friday”, here are some recent images – and a few stories – that made me smile.

Geoffrey:

Our youngest grandchild, Geoffrey – he turned one just a week ago – is so much fun to talk with on FaceTime. When he hears my voice he always makes a beeline for the screen! You can see him reaching out for me, and it makes me smile.

Then, the moment his mother takes her eyes off him for more than a second and a half, Geoffrey is off at high speed, trying to climb anything and everything. The sofa, the stairs, the chairs, the piano…!

His uncle Andrew was just like that. I still remember the night we found him on top of the dining room table. Out of the crib, through the bedroom door, into trouble! Good grief, parenting can be exhausting!

Bernie:

Our very good friend Bernie, who joined WFPC along with his late wife Cynthia shortly after we first arrived, moved to Alabama earlier this year. Rebekah and I were delighted, yesterday, when he was able to stop by for lunch during a trip back to Wake Forest.

The Hardys were a huge part of what made our church such an authentic and welcoming community, and they helped craft the unique atmosphere that defined my wonderful Sunday morning class. Bernie also served several years as an elder for mission, and he was a pivotal member of the task force that helped our church move more deliberately into the light in terms of being an open and welcoming community for all people.

It was a good day for a bowl of my chili, and an even better day to catch up. It is a rich blessing to have friendships that transcend time and distance.

The fall:

Here in Wake Forest we are still enjoying a beautiful fall. The leaves are dropping from the trees by the millions, but there are still enough hanging on to punctuate the landscape with pops of extravagant color.

I love to breathe in the cool air, walk Max with hat and gloves (me, not him!), pause to appreciate the trees, and whisper a prayer of gratitude.

This is likely the theme for the week, as we prepare for Thursday’s celebration of ThanksGratitude.

It will be a quiet Thanksgiving at Maul Hall. But we have so much to be thankful for, and it will absolutely be a noisy house party in our souls.

Peace and more peace, from our house to yours – DEREK