“Our post-Christian neighbors need to hear and see and taste and feel authentic Christianity, hospitality spreading from every Christian home that includes neighbors in prayer, food, friendship, childcare, dog walking, and all the daily matters upon which friendships are built.”
~ Rosaria Butterfield, The Gospel Comes with a House Key
Things that made me happy in February:
On an almost-warm day, a cracked window and the scent of earth from outside
5:50am, the oven light on the floor, bread rising, and coffee just perked
A windblown day
Helping Joel hang a piece of drywall in his house and pitching scraps into the truck bed with Huddy and Bennett (in little overalls)
Rolling oats with Bennett, while the other kids played tackle football out in the yard before supper
An evening latte with almond milk & raw honey
How Jesus was tired when he came to the well but cared more for the woman’s soul than his own comfort, and how Christ gives me energy to love people the same way
McAlister’s Deli
A warm Wednesday, sitting on the swing, talking to Papa while he raked sticks
Praying with the girls on Wednesday night, then talking about sewing dresses and the Chiefs
Capture the Flag like old times
The kids running to greet me with their new Wingfeather books
An afternoon visit to Bill and Marilee’s lovely cabin in the woods, drinking tea, talking about Wendell Berry’s books, and praying together
Courtney’s homemade pizza + games
How ours has become the Volleyball Van for the yearly tournament; matching hoodies, lots of snacks, strong coffee, and a late-night win
Super Bowl Sunday naps and snacks
A Valentine’s date with Jared to Finley Farms, where the sky was clear, the creek running strong, and the old buildings and bridges perfect for a stroll through
One hawk, one eagle, two herons
Bison chili
Sunrise walk
In just a few quiet hours, snow
DNOW weekend at a church that feels like family, playing violin, quick meals on the floor, a crammed car ride, bowling, and a small sea of students in worship
Hannah, newly pregnant and joyful, gently stroking her belly; the loaf of homemade banana bread she made me
Johnny and Amanda’s dining room table, where Bibles are opened and the darkness outside is pushed back a little by the Light of Life
Jared showing me his new compound bow
Buying and washing a dozen teacups from resale
A beautiful conversation with the Inklings students about storytelling and truth (and the proper way to drink milk with your tea)
Fellowship meal, prayer, heart conversations, and choir practice
Tying on aprons and baking blueberry scones with Esther
Putting on a tea party to celebrate Becca’s wedding: sunhats, paper lanterns, cups & saucers, games, lavender bread, milk, earl gray, and a team of friends who have long been kindred spirits
bethanyjmelton.com 
They sound nice February things! 🙂
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