Baskets of Blessings

I came home this afternoon to a house-full of laundry. I decided I’d start with the two baskets that were OVERFLOWING with towels. As I loaded up the washing machine, only half emptying one basket before the machine was full, I couldn’t help but smile. All these towels meant that we had a full house over the weekend. And by full, I mean eight adults and seven children; ages 10, 9, 7, 4, 3, and two 2 year olds!! Instead of looking at the baskets as a burdensome task, the baskets were a reminder of how blessed we were to have family come stay the weekend with us.

And that’s only the beginning. On Saturday evening (June 28), we celebrated Josiah’s end of chemotherapy treatments with a big party. Josiah’s End of Chemo party was a joyous event, and Josiah was very happy the entire time! I was very worried that he would get upset and we’d have to leave his own party. There have been times he is so insistent to leave a place that he will not be satisfied until we get in the car and drive away. He fell asleep towards the end, which is pretty rare. He usually doesn’t fall asleep (and stay asleep) with so much commotion going on around him. God provided for us.

I’m overwhelmed with the blessings we received over the weekend.

Our children’s minister helped Grace make some cupcakes for the party. I think he just provided the materials and cleaned up the aftermath…but she had a great time and the cupcakes were great! My cousin’s family worked hard to prepare the food, as well as serve the food at the party. My aunts and some friends helped to provide desserts.

Our youth minister took care of running the slide show and sound. He also provided help with setting up and taking down the tables and chairs, which saved us a massive amount of time in preparing and cleaning up after the party. His wife took pictures during the party, and held Josiah as he napped later in the evening.

Another friend allowed us to use their bounce house to set up for the kids to play on. Many helped watch and take care of my children. A cousin who loves to do photography took numerous pictures.

Many people came to the party, helping where needed, leaving kind and encouraging notes to Josiah and our family; some even leaving a gift. Family came from North Carolina. Friends drove from Minnesota. Others drove several hours to come, only to turn around and drive those hours back home.

A cousin stopped by our house on Sunday because she was unable to make it to the party Saturday night. A friend wasn’t able to come during the party hours, but stopped by after it was over to see if we needed help cleaning up.

It was so encouraging to see, hug, and visit with those who came to the party. I know we may not have been able to visit with all who were there, but we noticed they were there! At one point in the evening, when I had grabbed a plate of food and sat down by my mom, I realized I hadn’t gotten a drink. I looked to the other end of the event center and realized I’d never make it back to the table if I left, so my mom went and got some water for me. I was able to visit while I sat there, and everything that needed to be done was accomplished without me having to worry about a thing! For that, I am grateful.

Thankful.

Blessed.

I can’t put all those things into a basket; but if I could, they too would overflow.