Just look at those little adorable socks! Wish I could just squish her in my arms right now.
Play Episode on iTunes & Stitcher
Every morning at the crack of dawn, Lily would pad into my room, Binky and blanket in hand, ready to pull me out of bed to join me downstairs for our expected morning cup of tea. At times, I would beat her by a few minutes and get up a bit earlier and have the tea waiting for her. Often, I would dress her for the day, but always, we would have music, candles lit above her. By the time I left, she even wanted a flower on her table just like mine.
I didn’t know I would, just days later, be sequestered away in America in my home, without any ability to visit, to bring her here. What I would give to hold her, to sing a song in her ear as we dance around the room. But I do hope that the few ways I was able to create life and memories with her while I was there, will be memories deep in her heart of a grandmother who cherished her very friendship and companionship.
All of the little and big ways you are giving of yourself during this time are gifts of worship of loving God, by being His hands, His words, His time, His love to those around you. Sarah wrote a poem about love given in her own life to her sweet ones, as a sacrifice of her love to them. I know it will touch you as it did me. And of course, we recorded a podcast together I hope you will enjoy.
Remember, your love has a life of its own and is permeating to the deepest heart of all who receive it every day.
**********
Love is… to listen. To waken to the baby’s restless hunger and hear, not just the dull thud of my weary heart, but the sharp pierce of birdsong in the blue light, notes of quickened life piercing the shadow.⠀
⠀
Love is… to touch with willed gentleness. The fussy baby who will not calm, the toddler who will not leave my side.⠀
⠀
Love is… to order. Our rooms by beauty and our time by cadence. It is to take the unbounded days of this strange, isolated season and tether them to mealtimes and read-aloud hours, to liturgies of prayer and feasting evenings. ⠀
⠀
Love is… to make. A cake for an afternoon tea. A bit of music. A haphazard painting besmirched by toddler brushstrokes. ⠀
⠀
Love is… to bide with faith and patience. To suffer small people who move more slowly than I do. To endure the days whose isolation and monotony threaten to make me wild. To bear with courage the rumours of death and fear whispering round the edges of my thought.⠀
⠀
Love is… to rejoice. Truly. In the burgeoning spring in its swelling loveliness. In the gift of people to love. In the hours we spend together, in the coming home of my brave and weary husband whose work as a priest has only increased since these days of isolation began.⠀
⠀
Love is… to revel. In the fact that we know how to enjoy being home, in the books and music, the crafts and conversation we have gathered over the years. ⠀
⠀
Love is… to pray. To ache and offer it up as blessing for those who suffer far more than we do. To plead grace for those giving their lives for the saving of others. To grieve and offer it up as fellowship for the sick and dying. To yearn and fear, and offer it up as hope for the beloved ones dwelling so far away. ⠀
⠀
Love is… to hope. With grit in the face of the news. With defiance in the face of despair. With an aching joy that knows death has already been defeated and we will one day see the coming of unending life…
Sarah Clarkson
More Resources:
You can find Sarah, her readings, her words and beauty @sarahwanders on Instagram
You can subscribe to her newsletter and find more beauty @sarahclarkson.com
Books Referenced in this Podcast:
FOR MORE
Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.
Leave an iTunes Review These are so important as they help our podcast reach more women with messages of encouragement.
Follow on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates.
Share with others. My prayer is that this podcast brings encouragement to women and families, and I would be honored for you to tell others about it.
Join my friends and me in membership at Life with Sally, a place for me to share more teaching from the Bible and messages on education, motherhood, discipleship, and more!
