Heidi Viars

We arrived at my parents’ home after a long day of traveling almost half way across the world. This morning I grabbed my camera and headed out the door before the sun was up. The crisp morning greeted me and a familiar stillness over these fields and woods invited me to pay close attention to the details. The first morning home is always the best. During that first morning walk, memories flood my heart and a deep sense of peace and gratefulness overwhelms me.

Here I learned to value family
– that love requires discipline and grace.
Here I learned what hospitality is
-that it is more about how much space you have in your head
than the space you have in your house.
Here I learned to appreciate forgiveness
-to give it as well as receive it.
Here I learned to value the moment
-not to count on having tomorrow.
Here I learned that time is short.
-to love while we can.
Here I learned to walk
– with God.

“Father, thank You for my family.
Help me to make the most of the time You have given me with them.
Teach me to value moments together.
Help me see them as precious gifts from You.”
~
So teach us to number our days,
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12

(Heidi Viars, 2013)