A large work

"This is a large work I've called you into, but don't be overwhelmed by it. It's best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won't lose out on a thing." Matthew 10:42 MSG

It's a beautiful part of our story I haven't been able to tell, because it began with a drop, a cup of water so to speak, and it has rippled over and over these past months into an ocean my heart cannot contain. How do you really talk about love that comes not just from one person or ten but from a community bigger than you ever thought could touch your little world. The giving and the receiving has made me a student of grace, expecting undeserved blessings with my heart and hands lifted to heaven.

The Canton Chapter of the Foundation for Community Betterment adopted our family this year and Danica became one of the recipients for their annual fundraiser, Rocktoberfest, an event held at the end of September. Recently the check came in the mail. It was exceeding, abundantly more than we could have hoped for. It will be used to help pay our bills over the next months while Danica is recovering and in therapy and I am not working so I can care for her. I left it on the counter for several days before depositing in her account. Every time I saw it my heart swelled with profound gratitude.

I wish you could have all been there for Rocktoberfest. I was four weeks post-op and really not feeling well. It was hard to even make myself get ready to go to the event. I put on a beautiful pair of zebra heels left over from my former life, and Dan and I drove out to Rice's tree farm. As soon as we saw the sun setting behind the fields and the beautiful barn and all the loving faces I felt changed. The above picture says it all. Someone caught me smiling, even laughing, spontaneously. I can't remember the last time I was photographed without the strain on my face, the furrow in my brow and the exhausted look in my eyes. I can't explain how valuable a minute of relief from the seriousness of our life is, but when I see this picture I understand it.

Our journey is paved with love. Each stone, big or small, makes the path we find ourselves walking smoother and more bearable. The gift from The Foundation for Community Betterment goes so much further than just the amazing people on the board and the volunteers at the events. Each business who donated items for the raffle, each one of you who bought tickets to attend, each one of you who gave $5 or $500 as you were able, are the life blood of the giving and receiving that changes lives like ours. We humbly thank you.

The 2011 kickoff meeting for our local chapter is Tuesday night, January 11th, at Main Street Grille in North Canton. I am so excited to join Betterment this year and be part of the large work that begins with you and me.



(If you would like to become involved with this amazing organization click through the link to contact them and "like" them on facebook to keep up to date on ways you can volunteer and help or join us at the meeting on January 11th.)