Fifty Days of Gratitude: Day 49

Technically, it is Day 50. Pentecost, which is taken from the Greek word pentekostos, which means 50. Fifty Days of Easter. That time flew by.

I meant to post this yesterday, but well, what can I say? I enjoyed a lovely day with friends old and new. I celebrated the birthday of an amazing, lovely, creative person with many others who came for the occasion. I chatted with one of my kids about important things in life. I did laundry and ironed and painted my fingernails bright red for Pentecost and just like that... the day was over. But as I mentioned at the beginning of this season of gratitude, I try to grant myself and others grace.

I can't let this practice of gratitude pass without some reflection on how grateful I am for my Beloved. I must be the luckiest person on the planet. Last week one of my parishioners told me of their concern for my own well-being. She is a pastor's spouse, too, and she noted that I'm currently still down several staff positions, including an associate pastor. She sincerely asked me how I was taking care of myself. Then she told me that she'd looked through my Facebook page to see who was taking care of me. She didn't have to look far.

If you know Bruce and me, you know that we are two very different people. I mean, of course we are, but he brings so much to our relationship that makes me and us better. And his great care of and for me is and has been sustaining. He loves our children, who are his by heart, with a constancy and a depth that leaves me speechless. And, as I've noted in this space before, he is the very best Opa, loving that grand-girl with every bit of his heart.

His love for me and his respect for me are balm and joy and delight.

I've said it before, he's the best clergy spouse ever. He does not ask me to tend to his spiritual needs. He listens with endless patience as I chew on sermon ideas or think through new projects. He cheers and questions with care. He reads every facial expression from the pulpit or chancel (I need a glass of water....there's something happening out in the narthex....) And he understands that by Saturday evening, my mind turns toward Sunday and by Sunday evening I am toast.

He is the best person to laugh with and to travel with and to do life with. He has never minded that I get motion sick riding around the block. He is the bearer of caffeine, snacks, meals when I'm stuck at work late, and always the occasional surprise like flowers or something I've had my eye on. He painted my office and didn't flinch when I suggested wallpaper too. He leaves love notes in my lunches that he packs. Y'all. I've kept every one.

He will be embarrassed by this post, but that's okay. There's no way to embark on a gratitude journey without him.

Perhaps tomorrow I will post Day 50, just a bit late. Or not. But for now, it's an early Sunday morning and you know what that means. See you in church!

Here's a shot of us from a few years ago.

We were at a gallery opening and laughing

about how we'd just texted each other at

the same time, when somebody captured

the moment.