A number of weeks ago, I got an email from Nester: "Swap Meet. August 8. My house. Can you come?"
Imagine how long it took me to respond to that invitation.
More recently I learned that Emily, Jen, and Kimba would be at Nester's house for the Swap Meet, too. As I was talking with a friend about the day, I said, "I'll think I've died and gone to heaven."
So this past Saturday was the day, and a couple dozen of us had the best time exploring Nester's Nest and swapping our stuff. What fun we had, trading treasures and swapping stories and becoming friends in real life just as we are online.
There I was, right in Nester's house, and did I get any photos? No. Because I didn't take my camera. Can you believe the degree of stupidity involved in that oversight? I did snap this rather pathetic pic with my iPhone just as I was leaving. Nester's beautiful front door, with a lovely foreground accent of my windshield.
Nester herself opened that door when I rang. And though this was the first time I'd ever seen her face-to-face, she called me by name and gave me a big hug.
You know, being there really was like being in heaven.
My thoughts about heaven often include grand ideas of the beauty of the place. I think about the pearly gates or the streets paved with gold or what I'll eat (never mind the calories) or how happy I'll be to see my mom again. Wonderful thoughts. But I have to stop and remember that the most important thing about heaven will be the time--plenty of time, never not-enough time--with God. And with people who love Him.
I heard Dallas Willard teach about heaven once. He summed up his remarks by saying "Anyone who plans on going to heaven had better be awfully fond of God." Good point, huh?
So the time at Nester's was heavenly. Not because her house was beautiful (although it was) or because the food was delicious (although it was). But because I was welcomed with love. And because of the time spent with people who love God.
It was so great to meet you at Nester's Swap Meet--now when the day comes and we look across those streets of gold at each other, I'll be able to say, "Hey, I know you.."
ReplyDeleteIt must be wonderful to live so close to bloggy friends and be able to get together like that. I have met a couple of friends from online but they live out of state (and out of country) so it's rare we can meet.
ReplyDeleteBet you all had a fabulous time. I love taking a sneak peak around your homes too ;-)
Oh what fun! I have never met any of my bloggy friends IRL, but hope to one day. I know that you girls must have had a fabulous time together. I am only slightly jealous!
ReplyDeleteLove ~ Amanda
totally sweet.
ReplyDeleteSo far pretty much everyone I've met in blog land has been just wonderful. And you girl, were no exception. Delightful, fun and so mature in the wisdom area--not talking about age.
heart you!
What a sweet post! It looks (from the pictures from other blogs) like y'all had so much fun! Wishing I lived closer to NC... : )
ReplyDeleteOh how I wish I lived closer to my bloggy friends, it would be such a Blessing to meet them!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you were able to join in on the swap meet. It sounds like it was a fun filled time...;p
i love that the important part of the day was the fellowship shared :) sounds like an amazing opportunity!
ReplyDeleteOnly Richella could have me in tears after a post about the Swap! AUG! Girl, I am so glad you came. What a lovely time it was. Wish there had been more of it.
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely day. What I looked forward to most was the fellowship and I wasn't disappointed. You are right, it is wonderful to spend time with people who love God! I am so glad I got to meet you!! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun time! A swap is such a great idea!
ReplyDeleteManuela
This is my first time to your blog, I found you from a link on Kari Newsom's blog.
ReplyDeleteI love Nester's blog too and I can only imagine how wonderful it must have been to get to meet her and go to her beautiful home, I'm a little jealous!
I am so glad I went and had the pleasure of meeting you as well as the other wonderful women who were there. And, I've loved reading everyone's beautifully written accounts of the day!
ReplyDeleteOh swoon!! What a fun day that must have been! Though I may never meet any of you here on earth, it is sweet to know that we will one day meet in Heaven. Sweeter than I can even imagine.
ReplyDeleteYou have such a gift for seeing the heavenly significance of everyday things, Richella. Or maybe you have just learned to look for it more carefully than I have. Thanks for another beautiful post. :)
It sounds like you had a great time! Seriously, could it get any better than good friends, good food, and the bonus of bringing home a few new-to-you goodies, not to mention a wonderful/spiritual outlook on the whole experience.
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