Thanks for sharing this story, Beverley. I’m glad the barista was able to listen to the gentleman—and you listening too—because yes, sometimes that’s the very thing we need. It seems like the very least that we can give, so I wonder why I’m sometimes stingy with giving my attention….

That would be a beautiful text, Jerri. Even when we do “already know”, it’s still good to hear. There are many things we never tire of hearing and those three things fit on my list!

I’m thankful, too, TC—both here and later we are blessed and held. May I keep that front and center in my mind.

I love your reminders this year of “humility”…the one year I chose humility as my OneWord was a year that had some very difficult things in it! ha.

Yes, we are blind and deaf to all the things that could have happened to us, but God spared us from. May I be more grateful every day…. Thanks, Floyd.

Thank you, Debbie. As is often the case, I received more than I gave that day. It was such a blessing to talk to homeowners and get to be with the guys who sweated a lot more than I did in cutting up trees. 🙂

It’s a gift that you are grateful in your daily life. We have received SO much, and often when I look at the hard things that others are going through, I’m convicted anew to be grateful for the life God has given me, even with its own troubles here and there. His grace is just right for each life.

Thanks, Pam. It definitely makes a difference to me to be able to talk to someone who has lived through these experiences. It’s still not the same as experiencing them ourselves, but it’s the next best thing (and I don’t want to live through those experiences! ha. I have enough dreams about tornadoes as it is.).

What wonderful imagery to imagine your ego as a young puppy. That definitely is a welcoming image. 🙂 Yes, certainly capable of lots of mischief, but all as part of the process of growing up. I’ll try to remember that! It works so well into my Welcome year. I hope your retreat was a success all the way around.

Krista Tippet’s interviews are the best, yes? No matter who is on her podcast, I find myself enthralled and learning something. I want to read her book soon.

I guess it was the same storm system that brought our tornado and yours. Six miles from your house is very close. 🙁 The many and huge tornadoes of 2011 came very close to our house; I was so grateful that all we had were downed trees.

I’m always glad to hear when no one dies from the twisters. Sounds like both our communities were spared with this latest round. Praising God for that!

Your prayers are appreciated, Brenda. You know what it’s like to hear those tornado sirens go off if you lived in the midwest. I can only imagine how horrifying it would be for the tornado survivors the next time tornados come.

“It’s only uncertain from our side…not His” – beautifully stated!