Loved.

I was loved tonight, and my soul has been changed as a result.

My children and I had the opportunity to attend a cookout hosted by some dear friends and incredible mentors. The cookout itself was intended for the members of one of the small groups that exist within our church and their families, but because of the role I play within this ministry of ours, I, also, was invited to attend and bring my family. While I knew everyone in attendance, and most on what I would consider a "friendship" level, I was not necessarily an "insider" in this situation. While I felt extremely welcome and wanted, being an outsider afforded me an exciting perspective on the entire evening.

As a result, I was able to sit back and observe God's intricate, purposeful work. I was able to see all the ways in which His hand has moved to bring this particular group of ladies together in order to not only study His Word, but to also simply "do life."

It was beautiful.

And I was reminded, in my yearning for someone to "do life" with myself, that I am truly already blessed with many of the things for which I find myself asking.

I was loved tonight, in a genuine and authentic way, and I know it's not the first time and certainly not the last time it will be true for me. And it honestly felt like home.

I was loved simply because of the invitation to be a part. I was loved in the conversation and food and laughter and stories. I was loved because I was able to witness a man of God take my child under his wing and share his home, his life, his faith, and his love with my sweet boy. I was loved because I know that my family and I have been prayed for within the walls of that home more times than I'll ever realize. I could feel it. I was loved because at the end of the night, I saw my little guy give big hugs to our host and hostess, and I know, because I am his mother, what a truly special gift that is from him. I was loved because I had the privelege of hearing my son make up songs all the way home about the evening and the people he'd just experienced, and I know that means they left an impact on his little heart. I was loved because the people we experienced left an impact on my heart.

And God, I couldn't be more thankful. Forgive me for failing to recognize the ways in which Your hand is at work in my life, and thank You for all the many people, those I was with tonight as well as those whose thoughts, prayers, calls, and comments permeate my existence, you have given me with which to "do life."

I am truly grateful.