Thankful

(Photo by Ben)

We are in Ohio celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday with most of Mark’s family.   The star of the event is not the turkey, or even the mashed potatoes— we have been feasting on the joy and love of the kids, the bond between them sparkling and shining bright.  Clara and Mara take total delight in one another.  Clara loves feeding her, playing with her, bathing her, watching over her with a seriousness of purpose and gentleness that defies her two and half years.  Mara is smitten with her cousin, watching her in constant wonder, giggling with glee and thrilled to have all of her attention.  Ben has been so sweet with his “girls” and anytime naptimes or schedules keep us apart, needs to know when we will be with Baby Mara again. 

Our prayer is that these times together would begin to lay a foundation for a connection of love, friendship and family that will carry them through a lifetime.  For these kids, who share a story of sorrow, for Mara even before she was born, “cousins” doesn’t seem deep or strong enough word for them. The shadow of Grace is with us always, a welcome guest, a constant longing, an ambassador of a love that calls us to remember, to give, to play, to live…to be ever thankful.