But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. – Galatians 5:22-23
One of the best things about our current church home – Howard Memorial Presbyterian here in Tarboro – is the grace and hospitality extended by so many of the members. These are truly good people who take their faith seriously and who produce the Fruit of the Spirit as spelled out in the Galatians passage.
So Sunday evening one of the adult Christian Education classes met for a dinner party and the hosts were kind enough to include Rebekah and me in the invitation.
Susan and Jay Vick’s home is situated in a quiet location in the middle of a spectacular swath of farmland. It dates from 1740 and features everything you want to see in a house of that era.
It was one of those occasions where the beauty and the grace of the physical space is a good match for the beauty and the grace of the people in attendance.
Yes, I will get back out there sometime to write a more detailed story. But for now just know that the place – like the people – is super-cool.
Photos and Pathways:
Just as folk were getting ready to head home there was a request for a group photo. Someone tried to figure out how to set the timer on their phone then run back into the picture, but then I remembered the remote camera-control on my watch.
Other than a slight graininess because it was late and we were losing light, I think the photographs turned out pretty good (but then again at our age we’re getting a little grainy anyway!).
I enjoyed one more walk around the garden as the balance of the evening light began to fade. I am not sure why, but I have always loved open windows, gateways, roads, paths, rivers and bridges.
Maybe it is the sense of journey and possibility and of moving forward – or of peering into a story? Whatever it is, the Vicks’ country home is full of interesting – and inviting – examples.
It was a good evening, with so many good people. And, once again a beautiful reminder of how powerful and how healing community can be.
We need one another:
It doesn’t matter who we are, or what life circumstances we are dealing with, faith-based community is a must if we are to enjoy the miracle of life in the way God intended when we were first imagined, designed, created and then gifted to this good Earth.
Peace, friends – peace and every blessing – DEREK
Photos in sequence, from driving up to driving away:
