A Village (05/22/2026)

Recently, while visiting with my oldest daughter, we talked about her porcelain village. She shared with me that it reminds her of all the people who played a role in her becoming her. She told me that it helps her understand the importance of presence in the lives of others. I must say, it surprised me that there was so much behind her love of these beautiful pieces. I had thought it was only their beauty. I had no idea of what they symbolized to her.

That conversation has stuck with me, obviously. It has caused me to think about the many people who had a role in me becoming me, people who have taught me, people who have helped me, people who have encouraged me, people who have loved me. She’s onto something with her appreciation for a village. We don’t make this journey alone.

My daughter’s village gives her the incentive to be there for others whom she encounters.  I’m glad that she grew up in a time when that happened more frequently. My husband and I moved quite a lot when the children were little, but we managed to stay in smaller towns and cities where there was the sense of safety and community. My kids loved walking downtown with me to the stores in Tipton or even going without me but together to the movie theatre or the corner bakery. Times have changed.

But our need for those others in our lives has not changed. We still need companions along the way, others with our best interests in mind. And we need to be there, to be present to one another along the way.

As we wake up and begin our days in our own villages today and in the future, may we do so knowing that the LORD is with us and the LORD sends us to be His instruments, his loving instruments, to help our sisters and brothers along the way.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.