It’s 6:15 AM, I hear a soft voice on the stairway whisper, “Theresa, Bye. I’m leaving now.” It’s my sister Pauline, off on the next leg of her summer adventure. Four weeks ago, she left her home in Missouri and drove to Connecticut. From there, she went to Cape Cod, Maine and Block Island. I thought that after her visit with us, she was headed back to Missouri, but she is now on the road to North Carolina for a visit with a childhood friend. We affectionately call her “The Truck Driver.”

In some ways, Pauline is a typical middle child. Ready to please, she is a helpful guest when she visits. She takes care of herself and is funny and enjoyable to be with. And yet, she has very independent and unique ways that put her in a class of her own making. She is a loving mother, grandmother and sibling. She succeeded in a challenging educational career. She is honest, forthright and insightful which is refreshing in an era that shades the truth and leaves you wondering which end is up.

I feel blessed that she made the effort to drive to Vermont to see us. We didn’t do anything special; shared some good meals and floated around in the lake talking and relaxing. However, I felt renewed while she was here; strengthened for the weeks ahead.

What did I do to deserve this wonderful sister? Absolutely nothing. This is not about me. This is about the loving, caring God who watches our every move and sends us grace at every opportunity. Pauline and every member of my family is a form of grace. Sometimes the grace needs an interpreter, but most of the time, it is just there for the taking.

At times like these, my gratitude cup runs over the brim and I call out my thanks to the Creator God: “Thank You so very much for all the gifts that You give me; that You give us. Thank You for the spiritual food that sustains me in times of trouble and calm. Thank You for the unconditional love which You have for me and for everyone one of Your creations-for which we have done nothing to deserve and continue to be so very human in everything we do. Thank you for Pauline and all my sisters and brothers throughout the world.”

Read Luke 12: 32-34 and always remember that God loves you unconditionally.

Terri