Good Things

The other morning, the doorbell rang. "Could somebody get that?" I hollered, assuming it was one of my kids' friends. No one comes to the door for me, except on occasion the UPS guy to drop off a package of books I ordered. But I hadn't ordered any books lately. The kids came running back. "It's some guy with flowers!" they said. I sat up and took notice. By the time I got to the door, he had left the flowers on my doorstep and was pulling away in his car. I waved vigorously at him. He was my new best friend, this man who brought me flowers in the midst of an otherwise long and boring day.

"Who are they from?" my kids asked, dancing around me, as excited as I was at this unexpected interruption.

"I have no idea," I answered truthfully as I ripped into the card. What I found inside made me gasp in delight. It was from my friend Ann, who lives in Canada. A farmer's wife who writes beautifully and inspires me regularly with her eloquent turns of phrase and continued pointing to the goodness that's all around us, the Savior we all need. I have followed her blog for a few years, and a random email sent to thank her for her encouragement bloomed into a real, across-the-miles friendship. One day I dream of going to Canada to see her, to see the farm she writes of, her warm and loving home. One day, somehow, I will give her a big hug in person.

In the meantime, I am contenting myself with trading emails, and now enjoying the flowers she sent into my life-- a good thing that happened when I least expected it. I can't think of anything nicer she could have done for me. Thanks Ann, I hope you enjoy the picture and knowing that your flowers made it here safely!

One more good thing: These flowers are from the big hydrangea bush that grows outside my front door. I love keeping the glass pitcher continuously refilled with fresh flowers while the bush is blooming. It serves as a centerpiece on our kitchen table and makes a nice companion to the daisies that now sit on the island. My kitchen just feels so "summery" with fresh flowers in it! Flowers are a definite good thing to me!

Here's an arrangement tip Alyce sent me: Fill a vase with lemon slices, then fill with water and daisies for a beautiful summer centerpiece. Make your own good thing at your house today!