Graciously, Gratefully, Generously

Yesterday was our last day in France. Spending the day with sister-in-law-Geneviève we visited the shops, walked in the woods, ate together, talked together, laughed together, remembered together… Today we return to England.

So what lessons have I be reminded of… perhaps learnt a little better… through this French visit?

Receive graciously: Our French family have been exceedingly generous. They’ve given us time, food, hospitality, showing us kindness in many ways.

I find it easier to give than to receive; I find it easier to help than to be helped. When I give I’m in control. I’m helping someone else; I’m self-sufficient. When I receive I’m dependent on someone else…

I remember Paul quoting Jesus, saying, ‘It’s more blessed to give than to receive’. When I’m more humble, receiving graciously, than the one who gives to me is blessed.

Remember gratefully: With our French family we’ve told stories, shared memories, recalled events going back over many years.

Stories of those no longer with us… of children who are now adults… of joys, sorrows, successes, difficulties. The ordinary things of everyday life that in the grand scheme of things are not important, but to us, as family, are significant.

It’s been good to pause and be grateful for family, for memories, for events that have shaped us to be who we are today.

Return generously: Today we shall get the train into Paris, Eurostar to London, and so back home.

I remember Jesus’ words, ‘Freely you have received; freely give’. He was encouraging his followers not to keep what they had to themselves, but to share it with others without expecting anything in return.

Today I shall return home richer, changed, because I’ve freely received from my God… and my French family. I’ve sought to have receive graciously and remember gratefully with our family. I seek to return generously, that as I have received, so I will give.