The bridesmaids were tired (pronounced “TI-ERD” for more emphasis). Saturday was one long day and we girls were worn out from strapless dresses and strappy dress shoes, cold wind and chilly temps, sunburn and warm temps, little hydration due to port-a-potty fears, and lots of high emotion, mostly love for our dear friend getting married. It was one long, beautiful day. And by day’s end we were in desperate need of a hot tub.

This is where grace comes into the picture. A particular family, dwelling on a particular acreage south of town, graciously opened up one particular hot tub to a particular group of wedding-weary girls. The hot water initially burned our frozen toes, then warmed our bodies and spirits—and we stayed in the glorious hot tub for much longer than originally intended. But the grace didn’t end there. This particular family came home while the seven of us girls, beet red from the toasty warmth, were pretty much causing the deck to be flooded. A moment later, our host came out to greet us and then offered us drinks. Let me reiterate: We were lounging in his hot tub, using the restroom in his house, and then he offers us beverages to make us more comfortable? What graciousness! I want to say, who does something like that? But obviously, I know exactly who. Our beloved pastor Stu.

There was another moment of gracious behavior this weekend that startled me somewhat. I shouldn’t have been surprised by this one, however—I’ve grown up with it all my life. Though the wedding ceremony and reception were completed by Saturday afternoon, the festivities continued long after Charity and Andy left for their honeymoon. And for the available bridesmaids (and their families) still in town Sunday night, my parents grilled a summer feast, and lovingly served it to us. By Sunday evening all traces of extroversion had vanished from my being and I was a (barely) walking/talking zombie. But God bless my folks who whipped up grilled chicken and asparagus, corn on the cob and baked potatoes, salad greens and, to top it all off, COFFEE ice cream for us. Like the hot tub, the food warmed our bodies and spirits.

Graciousness. Hospitality. Love shown through very tangible acts. Joy given when it required the giver to go out of their way, to reach out beyond selfishness. Stu and Kelli were probably exhausted from the day’s events—actually, I’m certain Kelli, the wedding coordinator, was absolutely worn out. And my parents had to have been tired from the long weekend. But still, GRACE. Isn’t that cool?