Reminded: from emily

Things are different, but they're also the same.

Just when I think I'm lost in newness and change and loss, things happen that are just familiar enough to remind me. Of what I'm reminded I'm not exactly sure. But I am reminded.

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A wood stove with a fire in it, a pan of bread sitting on the table, and an old Bible laid open on the counter.

A new garage covered in old license plates and that sawdust smell that never changes.

A sweet old man with a big belt buckle that I've never met who thanks me for the wrapped up plate of food and gives me a hug and it's like I've known him all of my life.

Visiting a family I have known all of my life. His suspenders are bright red and I barely notice the oxygen he's wearing. She's tiny, but she hugs me tight and she's so much like my Grandma that I have to swallow the lump in my throat. So many hugs all around, and another wood stove. While I'm there, she and I pick up right where we left off, like always. We laugh and roll our eyes and it's like we're 13 again.

Praying around the table. Chex mix, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. Stories of when I learned to read the word 'neighbor'.

Visiting another couple I've known forever. They're a lot frailer than I remember but they want to know all about school and about the new buildings in Morgantown. He begins to list all the weddings that he can remember that have ever happened at our church and she chimes in every little bit. More hugs.

New babies and little boys and cousins. Sneaking M&Ms and looking out the window at the dog. Those cookies with the hershey kisses stuck in the middle.

Ravioli from a can and Heiner's bread.

Songs they sang and recorded in 1960. One is about a great speckled bird and the rest are about Jesus.  At the beginning of one they say a little message for him in the army. At the beginnings of all the others, they are shushing several kids.

Long talks sitting on the big bed. Old quilts and new boots.

Going to the hospital (that I've been to a million times) to visit another man that I don't know. More hugs, more thanks, more like I've known them forever.

Even Wal-Mart. Can't go there without seeing at least 14 people you know.

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I am thankful for many things, but today, right now, I'm thankful that He reminds me. When I forget, when I feel lost and uncertain, He wraps me up in familiar things and lets me know that no matter where I am or what the circumstances, I am home.