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Lisa Nikkel's avatar

“I wanted to warn them”...so so true. Jesus leads us to so many tables but I am thankful for the last one which makes all the other tables beautiful and bearable.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Beautiful and bearable. Well said.

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Sarah E. Westfall's avatar

Just yes, Shawn. Beautiful.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thank you, Sarah.

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Beka McDowell's avatar

Oh, Shawn. Your words give such beauty to the living of this life. Wishing you tender days ahead.

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Sarah Bessey's avatar

love this one, Shawn.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks, Sarah.

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Tresta Payne's avatar

Well said. I love these three tables, but this is the hard kind of beautiful I am always in turmoil over. The more we love, the more we risk—no, are guaranteed—to lose. Children leaving home is natural and normal and wonderful. Friends going Home is natural and normal and wonderful. But it all kinda sucks at the same time.

Leslie will always be a picture of glorious attachment to me, unafraid to give her all to this fleeing life. I wish I'd known her better, but I was blessed by my every interaction with her.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

I love that idea, Tresta, of glorious attachment, of allowing ourselves to become smitten by the beauty in the world, even when we know the cost is high.

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Bethany's avatar

Such beautiful writing - the joy, the loss, the hope are all palpable. thank you!

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Cathi's avatar

Perfectly said. Amen.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks, Cathi.

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