There's Always Room For One More Chair | On Easter 2018.

Honestly,
we've lost track
but we think
it started some 13 or so years ago.

A few couples with little ones

whose own families were states and countries away,
decided to spend Easter afternoon together.

Together,
always better.

And so began one of our favorite yearly traditions.

The Floods,

Parks,

and Clarks.

And a smattering of many many others

over the years.

We're so thankful that Jack's sister Becky

has been able to join us over the last several years.

She has our heart.

And she is SO so cute.

See?

Our joy is simply gathering together,

seeing the beauty of varied cultures

eating together around our table.

This year alone,

Easter lunch was

represented by

Palestine, India, Mexico, 

Kyrgyzstan,

Chile, America

and Canada

(come on, had to throw that in there).

I'm thankful that growing up,

an open home was modeled for me,

as we always had extra people around our table,

often on a weekly basis.

Overnight visitors abounded, too.

Missionaries from far-off lands needing a place to sleep.

Relatives making their way North.

Family friends that would come for weekend visits each month.

Random folks passing through.

We don't meet strangers,

we meet brand new friends.
And we say,
"Pull up a chair,
and while you're at it,
pass the potatoes!"

If I were to die tomorrow,

one of my hopes and prayers would be that

my kids would live out this legacy. 
That they would always,
always
have room around their table
to share a meal with others
and that they'd be intentional in their welcoming.
That they'd look for those
that need to belong.

There's always room for
one more chair around your table.

We share.

It's the right thing to do

and not only that,

it is
--hands down--
THE
best
way
to
live.

It just is.

Give it a go.
You'll be hooked!

Over the decades

my mom would wisely declare that

"A meal shared always tastes better."

And she's right!

So much life and hope and joy and belonging 

happens around the table.

Stories. Memories. Heartaches. Joys.
Connection.

All of it.

So you better believe

that our Easter table

is one of my favorite meals to share.

It IS my favorite day of the year.

The significance of this holiday
is central to who I am and my faith in Jesus.
He loved you and me so so much that
He was willing to die a cruel death
to pay the price for our sins.
And He rose 3 days later which gives
us HOPE in a forever future with Him
if we choose Him.

And boy howdy do I choose Him.

And in the meantime,
we live out that Hope of Easter
through togetherness and belonging
and sharing and loving and showing kindness
and helping and serving and giving and 
being authentic in friendship and
a whole lot more loving.

My hope is that 
you'll cozy up around a table
and do real life
--the beautiful mess that it is--
and love well.
Belong to one another.
Share with one another.
Listen well.

Open your heart and home
to others that might not
look like you
or act like you
or think like you.

Hope.

The soul of Easter.

Joy.

The heartbeat of Easter.

Belonging.

The arms of Easter.

Happy Easter dear friends!