AT HOME IN MITFORD - WEEK 13 CHAPTERS 23 - 24

AT HOME IN MITFORD by Jan Karon

I can hardly believe we are to the last post of this wonderful story. I hope that you have enjoyed this delightful book as much as I have. Maybe you've laughed a little, maybe you've cried a little, and maybe you've been challenged just a little. The good news is this series continues on, and it does not disappoint! I don't know about you, but I feel that I am a better person from getting to know Father Tim, even if he is only a character in a book. The world needs more Father Tims in it, and guess what? That can be you and me! So take heart, grab your cup of coffee or tea, and open your book for one last time.

I think if I had to sum everything up in one word for these two chapters, it would be "opportunities." Forgive my briefness in this intro before I dig in, but Father Tim has a new opportunity at life, a new opportunity at a relationship, a new opportunity in his trip to Ireland, and a new opportunity with Barnabas. Dooley has a new opportunity on the farm with the Owens. And Homeless has a new opportunity as well, but I'm going to save that for a moment.

Let's talk about the diabetic episode for a minute. Have you ever been in a situation where you thought you were going to lose your life? If you have it changes you, and we see that with Father Tim. He knows he needs a break. Later, as he sits on the plane,he realizes that everything is taken care of and he can leave, but wait a minute. Everything's taken care of and he isn't needed to make it happen. Can you feel the moment of pity? I can. I've known that feeling before. BUT, we know something that Father Tim hasn't realized, don't we? Karon has just brought us full circle from the opening where we saw him question if he was making a difference in the lives of the people of Mitford. We've seen the proof from the relationships that Karon has given us front row access to this entire time. These people value Father Tim. They need him in their lives, and because of this, because they care about him, they will step up and let him go for his health with the promise that he will come back.

Let's switch to a lighthearted moment for a minute- the picnic. I hope these pages gave you a good laugh! The cloud shapes, the relaxing, the reminiscing, the bull. Cynthia is good for Father Tim, don't you agree? I was caught in a moment of thought when Cynthia asks, "Why don't we laugh more" and FT replies with, "I think we forget." Maybe each of us should have that on our to-do list. Before we get into bed, we ask ourselves if we've had our daily laugh. If not, have at it before you close your eyes!

Did you cheer when Barnabas bounded into the scene? His dedication at returning home is exactly what we hoped for. Did you cringe when you realized what this big, lovable dog had endured? Thank you, Jan Karon, for tying up that one for us!

I'm going to close with Homeless Hobbes.His faith has returned. I just loved the earthiness of his word choice about Heavenly matters, didn't you? The fishin' and the thinkin,' the lack of risk. This is going to be what loops us back to my choice of the word "opportunities," because each of us has one, too, and Karon shares it with us in the best of ways, because God's gift of salvation is for Homeless Hobbes, jewel thieves, traveling business men, Father Tim, for all of us. I hope that each of you has accepted the gift of salvation and know Christ personally. I hope one day maybe we can all sit around together in Heaven and discuss books.  I'd love to meet you all face to face.

Thank you for joining me on this journey! It's been such a delight to spend this time with you in Mitford!