Sunday Afternoon Tea

Choose Life... I've pondered that before but a decision this week reminded me of it again.

Christopher called from work one day to tell me he had to spend a prolonged lunch hour on campus and he was willing to buy lunch (he knew I had been craving Indian food).*

Although I wasn't feeling very strong, I said yes... and enjoyed a lunch at my favorite Indian restaurant with my favorite son.  Good food... good company... and the enjoyment of summer on campus.  :)

As I thought about it later, I realized so often the decision to choose life is often found in choosing to say... yes!  This comes easily to some people but I am one who likes to plan and think through what I'm doing next.  However, so many pleasant memories of the past surround the word yes said at the last minute... especially when saying yes to children.

As a homemaker, saying yes almost always requires changing my daily plans.  It has included a stop by the grocery store on the way to the park for cheese, good bread, something cold to drink, and dessert... perhaps a loaf of cheap bread to feed the ducks in the pond.  Of course, if the picnic had been planned then all would be prepared at home... but this was a last minute yes!

To say yes may be free of any charges or it may need time to look at the budget, removing one item to add another.  In particular if there are tickets to be purchased or overnight travel.

One of the most memoriable and unexpected last minute yes-es from my husband brought about a drive into Chicago and a three-day family vacation during Stephanie's last spring break at college.  A small amount of money spent on an inexpensive hotel, restaurants, and museums... but priceless memories.

Yes has meant building our raised bed garden and adopting Miss Victoria (both excellent decisions). 

A reluctant yes preceded a thousand mile drive to visit New England in autumn to see my grandchildren and my friend Sally Clarkson in person.  Oh, and my daughter and son-in-law, of course.  Their offer to pay all our expenses and find a Bed & Breakfast for us to stay overnight on the way (to make my trip easier) made it difficult to not say yes.  :)

Some physical discomfort, yes... but delightful and wonderful memories of New England, attending the women's conference with my daughter where Sally was one of the speakers, the Clarksons and our family all spending a night at my daughter's home, and additional days with the lovely Sarah (whom I have unofficially adopted as an additional daughter).  All because I finally said... yes.

Yes can have eternal consequences, such as saying yes to the forgiveness and salvation offered by Jesus.  Yes can be very difficult as mothers and fathers and spouses watch their loved ones leave for war after saying yes to the military.  Yes can require suffering in third world countries to bring food and the Gospel to those without hope or as easy as hosting an afternoon tea for teenage girls as one shares the love of Christ with scones and sweet sandwiches.

I was thankful I said yes this past week.  May I be more willing to choose life and say yes more often, to really live each day in spite of any physical or financial challenges.

* Dad was not included in the invitation to the Indian restaurant... he does not appreciate spicy food.  :)