Wonder-ful

I have started a new bible study called Wonderstruck.  The first lesson is on "awakening" to the wonder of God...noticing the things around us that reveal God and make us want to know him more.  One of the homework assignments was to write down three moments in the past week in which you've encountered the wonder of God and his handiwork.
I thought...
Then I remembered the tenderness with which my husband held me just this morning.  His gentle strength, and the way he loves me continually puts me in awe.  He has been a living, breathing example of God's love for me.
I thought some more...
And I chuckled a little at the memory of Parker laughing at himself over some silly spelling mistake he had made.  His sense of humor is so quirky and wide ranging he often makes me laugh out loud before I even feel it coming. He appreciates the cheesy and the ironic.  He reminds me of the creativity of God...the surprising way He can turn a situation on it's side and bring joy from it.
I thought a little more...
And I remembered the pictures Hillary posted of herself and a couple of other girls, dressed in formals and masks for a Masquerade Ball.  These are new friends, and she is embracing new experiences in a new place.  Her fearless willingness to try things that would scare me reminds me of the God Who Makes Things New.  She sees wonder in the world and captures it with her camera.
And this is just one week's worth.  If I never saw another sunset, or heard another song...if I never attended another church service, or marveled at a fat full moon...these three humans God has put so close to me would be enough to make me believe in God.
I think that is Wonderful.  Just like they are.

Getting the Gold

Track season is in full swing.  This is Parker's favorite sport and he participates in several events.  (And has the various pairs of shoes to prove it.  Apparently one does not high jump in the same shoes that one long jumps in - or runs in- or practices in. But that's another blog...)
Recently, at the end of another hours-long meet that was cold and windy, I stood by the fence and videoed as Parker ran the last leg of the last race - the 4X400 meter relay.  The baton touched his fingers and he shot off, pumping his arms and grimacing with the effort of giving it his all.
But the other guy  was out in front, and when they crossed the finish line, Parker was in second place.  He bent over and grabbed his knees, breathing hard and shaking his head.
And then he stepped over to the guy who just beat him and said, "Way to keep your team in first place!  Good Race!"
He continued on to the other 3 teams and shook their hands and said, "Good job." and "Nice run.'
And in that moment, I was more proud of  him than for any medal he has ever won.  He reminded me of his dad, being a good sport and remaining proud of his effort instead of getting mad or making excuses.
He may have won a silver medal, but he has a heart of gold!

Ties That Bind (and belt)

We spent Easter Sunday visiting our families Back Home.  The four of us, converging from two locations, had suitcases and stuff spread from one side of town to the other.  Sunday morning before church, Hillary decided she wanted to wear the new dress her Memaw had just given her from Avon.  But alas, she had no accessories.  What's a Fashionista to do?
"Hmmm..." she says looking in the mirror. "I only brought flat boots and that won't look right with this dress.  If only I had some red heels."
I sighed and knew this was my cue.. "I brought red heels to wear with my pants," I offered.  "You can have them."
"Sweet!" she sang.  "Now I need a belt."
She rummaged through my own mother's closet, but found nothing to her liking.
"How about a scarf?" my sister suggested helpfully.
She came out with a couple, but Christmas Pentecostal Preacher's Wife wasn't really her style.
Back in she dove.
And out she came with one of my dad's ties.  "This is perfect!" she cried.
And with a little pinning and creativity she pulled it all together.
"I wish I had some earrings..." she said glancing slyly my way.
Good thing I brought two pair.
She donned my dangly black earrings and...
Voila!

"Thanks for sacrificing your stuff for me, Mom" she said as she gave me a huge hug.  "What's one more sacrifice after 21 years?" I joked.  

She was off to join the worship team and there was nothing for me to do but take my barefoot self to MY mom's closet and borrow a pair of HER shoes. 

That's the thing about family.  Between all of us and our pieces, you can always somehow get what you need.  So, like Hillary I say, "Thanks Mom and Dad...for giving me shoes to stand in and a tie that binds."