We thought the party would have to be canceled. Hurricane Joaquin was moving up the east coast and we were expected to get dangerous amounts of rain. But we moved the location inside, and as the day wore on it looked like we could go ahead.

Marissa was looking forward to seeing people she loved. She wanted to face them on a happy occasion where it wouldn’t be awkward for anyone. She wanted to put them at ease.

The house began to fill with people. There must have been over a hundred who came out in the cold rain to hug her and tell her they loved her. They shared stories and memories and laughter. The house overflowed with love.

I don’t remember when I have ever been so overwhelmed with the kindness of others as I have been these past weeks. At every turn, someone has helped, someone has lightened our load, someone has lifted us up.

“Let us be the hands and feet of Jesus,” a friend said. And we have felt that gentle, compassionate love this week. We have experienced it in warm meals, thoughtful cards, and helpful gifts. We have seen it in tear-filled eyes. We have heard it in whispered words of grace.

We have seen Jesus in you.

Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2