A Moment of Grace

I was driving to an appointment this evening, along one of my favorite stretches of road. The roads here can be large and industrial, or like this one, winding and wooded. I had my windows rolled down, the cool evening breeze blowing into the car. There was banjo music on the radio, the sun was setting into that golden green color, and as I turned the bend in the road, I saw them: two deer.

It was just a second where the deer looked at me (and who knows what a car moving at 30 mph looks like to a deer); but it was a moment where my brain said, "Stop! This is what Beauty looks like... this is the world God has made for you to enjoy... enjoy it!"

on the way home from my appointment, I "saw" these moments, too...

... a favorite song heard with new ears...

... the moment when twinkle lights are turned on, transforming darkness into delight...

... the hope that change and growth really are realities and not just a dream...

... and yet, the sweetness of accepting things just as they are...

... the thrill of driving a gorgeous road (has to be one of my favorite things; if I had all the money in the world to burn, I'd do it by driving scenic highways and byways)...

... Honey the dog excited to welcome me back...

... my church building, beautiful in the evening twilight.

A Time to Hope

Lyssa reminded me that I hadn't posted here in a while... it's true. And I don't have the same life changes as she does to counter as an appropriate excuse. Sometimes it just feels like I'm moving from moment to moment without really stopping... that's been the whole point of this blog. To stop, to look, to rejoice. I haven't really made an effort to stop and rejoice in what God has given.

The last few months have been full of a lot of joy and sorrow and even a little healing for my soul. A few things I am thankful for...

... a friend's new child, born to parents who love her, who already are anxious to provide her with a safe, happy, challenging life...

... the opportunity to see far-flung friends, to travel and to host friends, to fellowship and to cry without fear, to feel safe and loved...

... generous and unexpected gifts, given out of a desire for growth and the use of gifts...

... a safe place to talk, to grieve, to process...

... baseball...

... small moments of hope...

... new ideas, the desire to write, the need for perseverance - Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief!