LOVE… AND LAUGHTER

I was pleasantly surprised to find this cheerful wreath on the door to my office when I arrived one morning last week (I serve as the Parish Administrator at our local Episcopal Church). A few hours later, I learned from Father Andy that the gift was from one of our dear members, Angie! I was touched by her kindness and quickly composed a text message to thank her.

Some of life’s lessons are very embarrassing ones. The lesson for me that morning is that I should NEVER use the speak-to-text capability on my cellphone without reviewing it! Here is what Angie received:

The app did not clearly hear me say the word, thoughtful!

I quickly texted her again to explain what had happened, to apologize… and then to admit that I couldn’t stop laughing about this! She is gracious and tenderhearted, and she was laughing on her end, too.

This Advent Sunday begins the week of Love in Christ. Love comes in a variety of ways, doesn’t it?! Just revisiting this moment, I think of all the ways that Love can reveal itself.

Love is found in surprising acts of generosity.
Love is found in taking the time to brighten someone’s day.
Love is found in being grateful for our daily blessings.
Love is found in thanking someone for their kindness.
Love is found in being sorry for our slip-ups.
Love is found in overlooking the innocent mistakes.
(Love is found in forgiving the not-so-innocent ones.)
Love is found in looking for the true intention when words don’t make sense.
Love is found in pausing, reviewing, considering our words before we speak or send them.
Love is found in the humiliating moments when the humor shines through.
Love is found in the joy and the laughter shared with one another.

~~~~~

In writing this post, I found a quote that really touched my soul, from Kahlil Gibran. I hope this blesses you, too:

I would not exchange the laughter of my heart for the fortunes of the multitudes; nor would I be content with converting my tears, invited by my agonized self, into calm. It is my fervent hope that my whole life on this earth will ever be tears and laughter. Tears that purify my heart and reveal to me the secret of life and its mystery, Laughter that brings me closer to my fellow men; Tears with which I join the broken-hearted, Laugher that symbolizes joy over my very existence. ~ Kahlil Gibran

May love and joy surround you this week, dear friends!
Happy Holidays,
Karen 🙂