It’s Friday, time to look back over the blessings of the week
with Susanne at Living to Tell the Story and other friends.
It’s the last Friday not only of December, but of 2021. My heart is full. Here are just a few blessings from the last two weeks.
1. Christmas, of course. We feel blessed to have all our immediate family with us. We enjoyed the food, presents, cards, and togetherness.
2. Family time. My oldest son is here for a longer visit than usual, Jim has been off for the last two weeks, and the boys have had some days off here and there. We’ve enjoyed lots of chatting and food and games.
3. Our 42nd anniversary was a few days before Christmas, and we went to a really nice restaurant because we had a gift card. I was amused that the waitress said, “We want to be your special occasion place!” Kind of an acknowledgement that it’s not the kind of place one can afford to drop into causally. We thought it was neat that they decorated our dessert plates with good wishes and a candle.
4. Rest. Christmas and the weeks before, lovely as they are, are also super busy. This week, I feel like I am getting a bit of vacation. We met the kids for lunch Sunday, Mittu made roast and potatoes and carrots Tuesday, we got take-out Wednesday, Jesse made lasagna last night. There’s talk of getting take-out tonight, and Jeremy offered to make a middle-Eastern dish tomorrow. It’s nice to give all of us a break by taking turns and then getting something out a couple of days.
5. Trying a new place for lunch. Jason and Mittu told us about a place downtown that’s like a food court, except without a mall. I guess all the restaurants in it had food trucks businesses and were asked to be a part of this. It has indoor seating with some tables outside. There were several options to choose from–I got a club sandwich, Jim got shrimp and fries, Jeremy got barbecue, Jesse got ramen (I forget the exact name of the dish he got). There is even a gluten free chicken and donuts place for Mittu and Timothy. It was nice to try a new place outside of our usual favorites, and it’s nice to know of this place for when we do things downtown.
My Facebook memories showed that I shared this quote a couple of times. I probably shared it here before, too, but it’s a good reminder.
“‘Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.’ I Samuel 7:12. ‘The word ‘hitherto’ seems like a hand pointing in the direction of the past. Twenty years or seventy, and yet ‘hitherto hath the Lord helped us!’ Through poverty, through wealth, through sickness, through health, at home, abroad, on the land, on the sea; in honor, in dishonor, in perplexity, in joy, in trial, in triumph, in prayer, in temptation–‘hitherto hath the Lord helped!'” Charles Spurgeon
Just as He has helped in the past, so He will in the future as we rest in and trust Him.
I wish you a very safe and happy New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and 2022!
Stray Thoughts 
I think the week between Christmas and New Year’s is wonderful!!! Sounds like you’ve had a great, relaxing time.
Yes–it’s nice to have that time of transition.
Always good to have family time and yes I like the days between Christmas and New Year too. I feel that I can be lazy without feeling guilty. Happy New Year!
That’s true–after the Christmas busyness, lovely as it is, we need some down time.
A wonderful finish to the year, Barbara — all that family time. I love the taking turns to make dinner routine. It’s hard to feel like a true rest if all the same routines are in place! That “market” place sounds like a lot of fun. Tons of options to suit everyone’s taste. God bless for a fruitful new year.
It’s so nice to have adult children who are willing to cook! I never thought my guys would take to it as they did and become more adventurous cooks than I am.
Certainly blessings! Wishing you a happy new year!
Thanks so much! Happy new year to you, too!
The food court without the mall is such a great idea! It must help out the small restaurants who are having a tough time these past few years.
I had not thought of that, but it’s true–each small restaurant would benefit from exposure with the others. We did see several we wanted to try.
The “hithertoo” thought is a really good one! Your “special occasion restaurant” looks like quite a treat; what beautiful dessert plates. Happy New Year to the Harper family!
Happy New Year to you, too!
Happy New Year! Your week between Christmas and New Years sound like a great way to relax.
I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s brother. Covid is no fun. My husband is feeling better but my daughter and I aren’t. It comes and goes…
That food court sounds like a great spot.
Hope you and your daughter feel better soon. It’s odd how Covid symptoms seem to hang on for some.
I love all the family time with all your immediate family over Christmas! What a blessing that is! Happy 42nd Anniversary. A nice restaurant you save just for those occasions is so fun. Love that they went the extra mile to specifically decorate your plates! I love the week after Christmas. All the busyness is over with and the rest and enjoyment of being together is the best. That “food court” outside idea sounds great!