Privilege of Presence

During this summer of the reframing project, I find myself thinking of childhood memories.  I suppose because the framing of many of my thoughts on faith, fun, rest, relationships, and more were formed, at least partially, during those years.

Today, I thought of the joy I felt while sitting in the kitchen watching as my mother prepared meals for the family or for one of her catering jobs.  I can still feel the sense of contentment that sprang from simply sitting in the same space with Mama.

Being in Mama's presence yielded more than contentment.  Without trying hard, I mimicked her cooking skills.  From preparation to presentation, I learned how to produce a  family meal.

As I recall those moments, sometime words bubbled up from my lips.  At other times, I quietly watched without a word spoken.  The privilege of being in Mama's presence alone  brought joy to this girl, one of seven children.

Words in the Psalms remind me of the privilege of being in the presence of the Lord.   Like the fragrant smells of apple/peach cobbler and freshly prepared potato salad, the fragrance of the  Bread of Life brings joy to this girl, one of multitudes of children.