Last week, our three grown children, their spouses, and three granddaughters gathered here–in one place, at one time. Even Steve’s sister and brother-in-law were able to join us for a day. Such gatherings do not happen often.
For Steve and me, the greatest pleasure in life is the opportunity to enjoy our children– what King Solomon called “God’s best gift” (Psalm 127:3 MSG).
He went on to say:
How blessed are you parents,
with your quivers full of children!”
–Psalm 127:5 MSG
And what is a quiver-full? Dr. Howard Hendricks of Dallas Seminary explained years ago that, in Bible times, a quiver most often held six arrows. Thanks to our three children who chose their spouses wisely, Steve and I now have a full quiver–with three little arrows as well.
Oh yes, we are blessed, and always count down the days until our clan can gather once more.
Even four-year old Elena reveled in the long-awaited together time.
During the week, we visited several parks with playgrounds…
…and even explored the zoo on Wednesday. But perhaps some of the sweetest memories will be those associated with home…
… such as one afternoon at Eric’s and Hilja’s, catching up with one another and playing games.
There were fun moments at Nana’s and Papa’s house, too.
(The Night of the Big Sleepover)
Now these moments are treasures to hold close in our hearts–not so much for what we did as for who we were with.
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy;
They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
–French novelist, Marcel Proust (1871-1922)
How fitting that, as the landscape blossomed last week, so did our souls–because of a family who make us very happy.
* * * * * * * * * *
I thank you, Father, for the joy of doing life with this particular group of folks. We may not live in close proximity, but because of you, our spirits are intertwined. Every opportunity to be together is cause for great celebration. And we praise you for the gift of recollection, so beautiful moments like these may live in our hearts forever.
From the Inside Out 
SO SWEET!!! Thanks for this glimpse into your beautiful family, Nancy.
You’re welcome, Diana. I know your family includes charming gardeners who make your soul blossom, too!
Thank you for sharing these photos and explaining who each one is. What a treat for us to see them and what a joy for you.
Thank you, Grace. It was indeed a joy-filled week!
Nancy, the pictures are fabulous and I’m so thankful you shared them. Steve looks wonderful and the children are growing so beautifully. What a delightful post. Thank you also for mentioning my old friend, Howie Hendricks. That takes me back many, many years. He and Jean were a delightful couple and friends from childhood. Love to you both.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, Ruth. Though I never had the opportunity to meet Dr. Hendricks in person, I listened to tapes of his teaching, read some of his books, and heard him on the radio. He was an important influence in my young adult life! What a delightful coincidence that, after all these years, I should meet someone who knew him from childhood!
so, so rich and sweet. nothing better in the world, Nancy.
Thank you, Jody. You are so right: there is nothing better in the world than a family who truly loves one another.
Sweet…sweet! Thank you for such loving family words and memories. Touched my soul! Hugs, Gail Paglialungo
And thank you, Gail, for reading! What a blessing for me to touch your soul.
Blessings upon blessings! Thanks for sharing, my friend………
Praise God, I’m so glad you found blessing here. You are welcome!
This makes me smile so hard my cheeks hurt. I fancy I know how joyous this time together was. Love you all very much!
G
Should I be sorry for making your cheeks hurt?! I know YOU know how joyous our time together was, because your family experiences the same. Love to you, too, dear Ginny!
What a blessing and we are blessed to see these precious moments too
Thank you, Jean. So glad that the sharing of our beautiful moments brought blessing to you!
Thank you so much for sharing these delightful pictures! You are blessed!
You’re welcome, Cheri. And you are so right: we are incredibly blessed. (I just wish these get-togethers could happen more frequently!)