Christmas Love

I have been given significant gifts of relationship for Christmas this year 

gifts my heart doesn't quite know what to do with

how to comprehend, or even write down

how to receive and respond

to the moments of being so overwhelmed by the extravagant love of another

The sacredness...

 " I love you" being spoken 

cherished kisses on the cheek

eyes filling with tears

arms open to embracing

rich generosity of words

handmade gifts offering to me a story

belonging in such a precious community

I am so humbled by the huge capacity for love I see and experience on the street

people of great bravery who love through much pain and hardship

Please pray this Christmas for my dear friends.

Those who battle addictions, homelessness, abuse, 

prostitution, low self worth, trauma, painful realities, 

difficult memories and loneliness.

May they discover the gift and presence of Jesus Christ

and find themselves in community with others.

Sitting in a wordless moment

Her face is stoic

hard and firm

tiny indent marks of pursed lips

chapped and dry

wide eyes black lined

hair pulled up tightly.

Back against the wall

legs slung criss crossing

she freezes a weary glance

fatigue 

we sit side by side

staring ahead of us.

I am given a window into her mind and her heart

as she speaks

with no real attempt at conversation

more the overheard musings, heartaches, and thoughts of a read aloud diary entry.

Trauma's of abuse

molested as a little girl

grieving the losses of many

homeless and lonely

raped and violated

shame in being known

fear in being seen.

She moves through the details, memories, and descriptions of her story 

struggling to keep composure in her reality

face quietly wilting

rolling tear drops

lips trembling

giving into the sorrow.

We sit in silence

she heaves a sigh of defeat

two strangers now connected 

sitting in a wordless moment.

Somewhere to call " home"

Grinning ear to ear

eyes sparkling and full of giddiness

they practically burst

my anticipation builds

the secret dangles lightly in front of me

with joyful eruption

the news tumbles out in excited sputters and squeals.

" We finally got a place"

they sit back with gleeful expressions 

taking delight in my reaction

I am stunned, unable to form words

so instead we cheer together 

celebrating with hugs and laughter 

I stand thrilled listening to new found discoveries, watching their faces light up

buying soap and shampoo for their very own shower

having somewhere to call " home" instead of "campsite"