1 Month, 6 Days: Face to Face

Sitting in my green, tufted armchair in a silent house is a rare treat for a Thursday early-afternoon. I am normally working at the dental lab this time of day, frantically trying to finish up the work for the Friday morning route. I'd much rather be here than there, and I am grateful for this rare moment when I can truly relax and bask in the peace of my home.

I took the day off work to spend some quality time with my mother-in-law, who has been visiting us from Mexico. Being around her is always enjoyable. She is a wonderful listener, filled with quiet wisdom, thought-provoking questions, and a deep love for God and people.

We spent the morning talking while we swung on the porch swing in my yard. Watching my daughter Zadie play, we talked about family and life, church and faith, Mexico and Ottawa. I learned more about Brandon and his family history. I listened to Teresa's heart for her church and community in Mexico. Beneath the shade of the mystery tree growing in the middle of my yard, conversation soaked into me like rain on parched earth.

When I work at the dental lab, I spend most of the day in my own company. I usually wear headphones and listen to music or audiobooks during the 8+ hours of my shift. Sometimes I can spend most of my waking hours in a day or week in relative solitude, since by the time I get done with work each day, I am usually too tired and drained to make much of a social effort.

Today reminded me that there is beauty in simple conversation. Two people, face to face, with genuine interest in each other's lives, feed and rejuvenate each other as they invest their time in conversation. When we break from our daily ruts of superficial encounters and electronic relationships, we find quiet peace in the simplicity of time spent face to face.

Today I am grateful for my mother-in-law and the beauty of this fall day. God is good, and so is life. :0)