Favourite Flowers.

Was driving back from Sutton Coldfield this evening thinking, I wish I’d taken a photograph to remember this day.
I’ve always loved looking back on memories through old photographs and video tapes. But some days, like today, we’re enjoying making them so much that we forget to capture them.

But I arrived back at the flat to a wonderful surprise - a vase full of these beautiful tulips, that had been delivered to our door. My favourite flowers. My sister had put 2 copper coins in the bottom, a tip we learned from Mum (tulips are her favourite, too).

1. Being so well listened to, that a detail mentioned in passing like this is remembered. Being listened to not for the sake of replying or maintaining conversation, but for the sake of being understood.
2. Being welcomed so warmly into Paul’s home again, and time around the table with his family. Sitting afterwards with dessert and mint tea, learning so much from conversation, and feeling so content that the evening went in far more quickly than I realised.
3. Getting a small insight into the community they have here in Sutton. Bumping into a whole range of neighbours, Church family, family friends, work colleagues, even friendly acquaintances. Beginning to put faces to names. Being so encouraged to hear of the unity the different Church denominations have, especially between Protestant and Catholic. Gives me hope for back home!
4. Long, simple drives, where I can spend time alone with God. Not rushing, just enjoying His presence and His company.
5. The beauty of our walk today.
6. Good food. God is so kind that He made food enjoyable. He is the author of joy, who loves to see us enjoy His good gifts. Father, help my enjoyment never to end with the gift, but to lead me to a place of enjoying You the Giver.