Big Bear returns!

As we began our journey home from Florida last week, it didn't take long for Reese, my 4 year old little girl, to realize we (I should probably say "I") had forgotten someone. The "someone" who had been left behind at grandma and grandpas wasn't just ANYONE, it was BIG BEAR. Big Bear is to Reese like the blanket was to Linus.  Reese sleeps with/on Big Bear EVERY night and has a hard time resting well without him (excuse me, I mean "her".....all this time I thought Big Bear was a boy until just the other day). She has had this bear since she was a baby and has grown incredibly attached to this precious fur ball. So you can imagine the tears that flowed when she discovered Big Bear had been left behind. Sneaky ol'bear had fallen off and been hiding behind the bed when the van left at 7a.m. I knew I needed to do something quick with Reese otherwise it was going to be a VERY LONG ride home. After we mourned together a bit, we began planning a
welcome home party for Big Bear. We talked about what would be the best way to welcome a bear home until Reese's heart became hopeful for the day of Big Bear's return and party.  Well, Wednesday of this week, I am happy to say that Big Bear arrived safely from his travels ( Thank you, Mom and Dad!) and the party began! We set up the princess table (now knowing that Big Bear is a girl) with seating for 4 girls; Reese, Elyse, Myself and Big Bear. We blew up balloons, ate teddy grahams as an appetizer, used our best dishes for our pizza, and toasted to Big Bear's safe return. I found myself sooooo grateful for the Bible's command  in Romans 12:15 to "Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn." There is such an incredible richness in entering into other people's mourning  and rejoicing. Listen to the rest of the verses that surround this great command:

"Love MUST be SINCERE.
HATE what is EVIL; CLING to what is GOOD.
Be DEVOTED to one another in brotherly love.
HONOR one another ABOVE yourselves.
NEVER be lacking in ZEAL, but keep your spiritual fervor, SERVING THE LORD.
Be JOYFUL in HOPE, PATIENT in AFFLICTION, FAITHFUL in PRAYER.
SHARE with God's people who are in need.
Practice HOSPITALITY.
BLESS those who persecute you;
BLESS and do NOT CURSE.
REJOICE with those who REJOICE; MOURN with those who Mourn.
Live in HARMONY with one another.
Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.
Do not be conceited.
Do not repay ANYONE evil for evil.
Be CAREFUL to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
If it is possible, AS FAR AS IT DEPENDS ON YOU, live at PEACE with everyone.
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written:
"It is mine to avenge: I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary:

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

DON'T BE OVERCOME BY EVIL, BUT OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD."
Romans 12:9-21

Don't we serve an awesome God who knows us so well and knows what is truly satisfying and good for our souls. Doesn't this reveal His heart that sooooo deeply values relationships and community. Is there anyone in your life who could use you to mourn with them or rejoice with them? Perhaps a family member, a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker. etc.... Go make today a little richer for your soul and someone else's by entering into someone's  joy or pain. Blessing from Bombadil. Kristy Link
 "I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." Phillipians 1:25 & 26