Love unexpected
Sounds like the beginning of a corny romcom, doesn’t it? Hahaha
This is the title that came to mind when I was thinking about my day today. You’ll probably be reading this a couple weeks later…
Today I went back to help out at my old job as a front desk receptionist. I want to stress that community is super important in this post.
It’s been about half a year since I saw these people. I was nervous because I was so freaking afraid that I was going to be turned away or that people would be like “why are you here?” Not that they would actually do that, but you get the point.
Let me tell you, it was totally the opposite. So many people and acquaintances were so so happy to see me. They hugged me and welcomed me with such big smiles saying that they had missed me so much and couldn’t believe I was there. My little heart warmed up and felt inflated with so so much love. The kind of love that I had done absolutely nothing to earn but be myself. They were so so happy and I felt it radiate up into my soul. It was to the point of wanting to cry.
Now, two of some of my favorite people are police officers. Both officers were working at the school during the time I was there and I got to see them. They were so excited and couldn’t believe their eyes. I couldn’t help but laugh and smile at their excitement. One of them said “seeing you just warms my heart”. Honestly, I couldn’t believe that they were saying what I so deeply felt. I wanted to sink into that burrow of love. It was a grandfatherly kind of love that I wasn’t sure how to express. I hugged them both before they left and wished them a happy thanksgiving. The whole time my heart was just brimming with so much happiness. This. This is what I’ve missed. So dang much. This feeling of being welcomed and loved in such a healthy way.
I’m so thankful for the opportunity that I had. Sinking into that community felt like the rest I needed after this semester. Kind of odd, right? Last year I was so overworked and this time, it felt like I received rest. I missed them. A lot.
I pray and hope that you have a community of people that values you the same way. But if you don’t, just like me this semester, I’m especially praying for you!
Always <3