from an article originally posted July 8, 2014...
““We know that all things work together for good for them that love God.” The Christian does not merely hold this as a theory, but he knows it as a matter of fact. Everything has worked for good as yet; the poisonous drugs mixed in fit proportions have worked the cure; the sharp cuts of the lancet have cleansed out the proud flesh and facilitated the healing. Every event as yet has worked out the most divinely blessed results; and so, believing that God rules all, that he governs wisely, that he brings good out of evil, the believer’s heart is assured, and he is enabled calmly to meet each trial as it comes. The believer can in the spirit of true resignation pray, “Send me what thou wilt, my God, so long as it comes from thee; never came there an ill portion from thy table to any of they children.””
Oh dear, dear summer—you have been so good to us. Moments full of depths of woes and heights of joy. We have embraced all that has been given and attempted to live fully in each moment. The comfortable space beside the loves in our life. We have tasted the goodness of God and also been reminded how temporary this place is. We take each moment in gratitude.
We ran away with new friends to Westcliffe because we were invited, and we knew there was life to be found. We laughed, drank coffee slowly on the porch. The kids learned the wonder of a hammock. Some kind of pellet gun was brought out, and the kids learned to hit cans and targets. We saw elk on the mountain and we heard amazing hunting stories. We played cards, ate heartily, and watched fireworks from the porch. My dear Jorie gave me an aroma touch massage, and we lived happily beside one another.
Oh my goodness, we left full. Full of friendship, stories, food, a new place, amazingly full with time away and connecting with friends.
We came home, did laundry, and packed the girls for their next adventure. Sunday afternoon we dropped our girls at the place that holds the laughter and joy of my college years. The girls get to go to the camp where Jason and I fell in love. Not only did I fall in love with Jason there, I fell in love with Jesus in a new way in that place. Eagle Lake Camp is a place that holds much of my heart. I love that I now share it with my children. The girls are there now; I’m praying for each moment. Praying they are learning how crazy God is about them. Praying they capture joy, have a wildly fun time, and come home exhausted ready to share their experiences with me.
Dearest Jesus, meet my girls this week. Love them. Pursue their hearts. Jesus, be near to them and teach them dependence on you. Their future steps are carefully planned in grace, will you teach them the joy of seeking and knowing your goodness even with the edges of life feel impossible?
Now, this week, I get to live sweetly beside my two littles. All at once Lake has endless words to share. I think he feels a new freedom to speak with the two oldest away. Jason and I are delighting in these littles. Last night Jason had a meeting, so I took the littles fishing and to the place Jason and I used to meet when we were merely friends. As young-faced camp counselors, Jason and I would share ice cream at Josh & John’s downtown. Now the best ice cream on earth moved to our side of town. The old Starbucks now holds the new Josh & John’s and our favorite Jonathan works there. It was such a treat to walk into the new location and have a happy face to greet us.
I gave the kids the camera and let them take pictures. I love their perspective with the camera. Head over to Josh & John’s and try the oatmeal cookie dough. It’s been my favorite for 18 years. It hasn’t changed a bit. I’m not a sweets gal, but I love this ice cream. It’s amazing. Take my word for it.
Thank you for taking such good care of us, Jonathan!
How are you capturing life this summer? Where is the grace in your big and small moments? Are you thankful for what you have or are you stuck thinking of what you don’t have? Can you lived today in the love that is meeting you? Can you see it? It’s there.
