Enjoying this gorgeous fall weather… while holding Florida and Appalachia in our hearts
– this one is working hard to be ready for a future place in “the beautiful homes of Tarboro” tour
Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others. Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 2:3-5
– neighborhood trees
It seems almost trite to say this in the light of the catastrophic storms that have ravaged Florida, much of Georgia, Appalachia and now Florida again, but this past week has offered some of the most beautiful weather we have seen here in Eastern North Carolina since the Spring.
Every day has been clear and full with sunshine featuring temperatures topping out somewhere close to 70 before falling into the high 40’s and low 50’s during the night.
Our routine has been to eat breakfast, take a walk, work a few hours, enjoy lunch, take another walk, work for the afternoon, stroll the neighborhood before dinner and then do it again before heading into the evening’s activities.
– our neighbor Debbie’s house on Church Street, right behind us
We cannot help, of course, but make our way past the house on Saint Patrick Street (above) both coming and going, where we call out to Aaron, Eddie, Gasper, Charlie and/or whoever else is on site. Invariably they have something to show us before we loop up through the Town Common or around the church and back home.
And typically I grab a photograph or two on our walk because this first year, we want to document everything and this neighborhood really is so lovely.
– the sidewalk outside Ginger’s home
So here we are, in a town that endured its own complete devastation in 1999 but rebuilt by the grace of God and with the help of selfless people the world over. We are grateful for this good weekend and at the same time actively engaging in whatever it takes to make sure our neighbors experience hope and relief today, along with promise and new beginnings in the future.
And this morning, opening the front door and drinking in the good fresh air of another perfect fall day, we will walk across the street to worship God with grateful hearts, and also hearts full with compassion for those having a hard time right now seeing anything much in the way of hope.
My mum, Grace Maul, loved the following words from First Peter 3:8:
“Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”
