As we wrap up our time in Buffalo, I’m thankful that we made ourselves available to our family here. They live very far from us, and the few times I’ve spent with them have been short lived. This week was different. We took our time and planned outings and dinners with as many family groups as possible. We even drove to Canada (it’s not that far)!
Tea time after swimming, and before coloring with the twin cousins in Canada!
Niagara Falls from the US side. Yes, the Canadian side is spectacular as well 😉
Uncle Scooter is looking for Bella. Can you find Bella’s shoes? 🙂
Enjoying some frozen custard with cousins!
Being available to hangout and have dinner was one aspect of our time here, the other was being available to serve. We were hoping to do some service projects for Caleb’s home church, but when that didn’t work out, we offered to help my in-laws with some work in the basement. Caleb helped his dad with some manual labor, and I offered to help clean and declutter. Just a few days after Caleb started his work, his stepmom injured her knee, making it very difficult for her to walk and bend. We all pitched in around the house to make sure she didn’t have to worry about things while she rested. I helped out in the garden, did some laundry, and made dinner one night.
The garden that Dad and June have worked so hard on.
Boxes to store, donate, and get rid of!
I also made myself available to help my sister-in-law. She has two little ones, a very active almost three year old and a growing four month old, and that’s more than enough! I spent two days with her, Caleb was there for one, and I’m so glad we were able to keep her company and help out. Moms give so much of themselves, and I wish I was more available to help my friends who are young mommies too.
Our sweet nieces!
How much have I missed out on because I’m not available? In a culture where productivity is an idol, perhaps even my idol, how do I make myself more available? How do I alter my current life choices (how I use the time God has given me) to reflect what truly matters to me (relationship with God, family, friends)? This is what I will continue to reflect on and hopefully this will help shape aspects of my life post Sabbatical. Until next time!