Touch of heaven in unplanned family get together....

 

We had planned a trip to visit two of our family members whose health is declining, hoping to see them before things grew worse. At the same time, three cousins planned a trip for the very same reason. Then, to our surprise and delight, our son and grandson decided to come secretly. That surprise alone was enough to make my heart full.

All of that resulted in the picture I posted — a table full of people gathered to eat, laugh, cry, tell stories, eat some more, and laugh again. For a little while, we were able to set aside the heaviness of what’s ahead and simply love on each other. It was a gift, a weekend none of us will forget.  A little touch of heaven.  

I waited until we were on our way home to post the picture on Facebook. I had no idea it would offend anyone. Some felt hurt that they weren’t invited. I tried to explain that it wasn’t a planned event — it just unfolded — but the more I explained, the worse it seemed to get. I’ll be honest: I’m not very good with people who get offended easily. Part of me wants to say, “Please, grow up… or at least ask kindly how it came about.”

But this situation made me stop and do a little heart‑searching of my own.

Is it wrong to have a small gathering without inviting the whole family? I don’t believe so. The family who hosted had every right to keep it small. And the two dear ones with health issues likely won’t remember who was or wasn’t there. The gathering was really for those closest to them — the ones who needed that time together.

I tried to explain the dynamics, the why, the who, the situation… but the offended became even more offended. So I finally decided to let it rest. No more explanations. No more trying to fix what can’t be fixed.

What I do know is this: love was shared, memories were made, and for a few precious hours, we were all held together by something far stronger than hurt feelings.

 

A few good quotes on being offended...

1. People who wish to be offended will always find some occasion for taking offense." - David A. Bednar 
2. "Being offended has replaced baseball as our greatest national pastime." - Kim Hunt Harris 
3. "The feeling of being 'offended' is a warning indicator that is showing you where to look within yourself for unresolved issues." - Bryant H. McGill 
4. "Whenever anyone has offended me, I try to raise my soul so high that the offense cannot reach it." - Anonymous 

“This weekend reminded me that moments of grace are worth more than explanations.”

“I’m choosing to hold on to the laughter, the tears, and the love — not the misunderstandings.”

 

 A Touch of Heaven even with snow....

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday, and our church will begin the morning with breakfast — cooked by the men, which always brings a smile to my face. Everyone looks forward to it. I even bought a new dress just for this Sunday. I honestly can’t remember the last time I bought a dress; pants and a top have been my usual for years. So yes, I was hoping for a warm, sunny day to enjoy wearing my new dress. 

But northern Minnesota weather had other plans.

Yesterday a snowstorm swept through and dropped six or seven inches of fresh white snow, and more is coming on Easter morning. I posted a picture of it on my Facebook story and wrote that I’m glad I don’t trust Easter eggs — or the weather — for my salvation. With this much snow, you’d have a hard time finding those eggs no matter how bright the colors.

Our church breakfast is a long‑standing tradition, and the Easter egg hunt has been around even longer. Parents who want to keep the tradition alive will just hide the eggs inside, so the little ones won’t be disappointed.

But it does make me think:

How do we handle it when the traditions can’t happen?

Do we need Easter eggs and baskets to believe in Jesus?

According to the Word of God, there were no chocolate bunnies or brightly colored eggs at Calvary. There was only Jesus — willingly giving His life for us.

I’m still looking forward to that breakfast the men will cook. It will feel like a little slice of heaven, especially since they do the dishes too. But as grateful as I am for their hard work, not one of them died on the cross for me.

So while I feel a little sad for the kids in northern Minnesota who won’t get an outdoor egg hunt this year, I’m overwhelmingly thankful for the truth of Easter — a truth no weather can touch.

Happy Easter to each of you.

May God help you see past the breakfast, the baskets, the eggs, and even the snow…

and straight into the heart of His love for you.