Not long ago, I flew home to spend a few weeks in my hometown with family and friends. This season is full of "good" and excitement. There have been frequent reminders that God gives perfect, purposeful gifts to his children.
gifts of: time, family, friendship, love, encouragement, joy, and infinitely more.
Over the years, I believed God gives these things, but his timing is what leaves me in awe.
Shortly after I arrived home I sat down with three dear friends. These three ladies and I formed friendships 6 years ago when we started meeting at Panera for "girls' nights." We've laughed and cried together as we walked God's paths for our lives. Over the years our discussions included: singleness, desire for children, pregnancy, home buying, finances, job changes, etc. As I sat on the floor of one of their homes, I was speechless over God's goodness and faithfulness. In the background were 2 sons cooing and a daughter eagerly awaiting a new game of "duck, duck, goose." Amazing....
I was able to go out of town with my family to celebrate my dad's birthday and Father's day. There's nothing like a hike to the heights to remind you of God's sovereignty over creation.
Time with my grandpa is always a treasure. In just a week, he'll lead Paul and me in our vows as we commit our lives to each other. Grandpa and I put our heads together and with the help of his trusty copy machine, gigantic scissors, and 1962 clip art (really his binder has the dates on it), we created a "one-of-a-kind" booklet for him to use during the wedding service.
While these moments have been special, there are abundant blessings in dailiness of being back where my roots began.
- lunch dates with my dad
- a room filled with flowers from my sister
- chats by the pool with dear friends
- dropping in the country store where I used to work
- wedding planning with friends and family, who are WAY better at it than me
- program making with my mom and Roanoke "aunt"
- mowing the yard on dad's big orange tractor
- visiting Ellie
In the midst of all this good, I miss my man. Paul's still in CA preparing our future home. These past few weeks have helped me remember what it was like to date long distance and I'm glad that season is over. His family and friends will visit Virginia for the first time and a week from right now we'll be rehearsing our wedding with many people who have walked through life encouraging us. Then, on Saturday, we'll be joined by even more of you. Thanks for your support and thank you for your prayers!
