The blessing of smiles and hugs at the front door,
the sound of laughter in the living room,
the feel of warm voices in the kitchen
and a peaceful clamoring at the table,

The reassuring fill of good food and fine desserts,
the satisfied brush of napkins,
a lingering at the table
and unhurried dishes stacked by the sink,

An evening of contented conversation,
an intermingling of hearts and lives,
stories shared and shared again,
good moments re-visited, caressed by caring,

Safe travel,
Peaceful arrival,
and the bounty of God’s own hand:

May all this
and more
be yours.

H. Arnett
11/25/09