Sunday, May 2, 2010

Road Trips

Long, rough Monday. So glad it's over and as I sat here thinking about all the junk, I realized how much I love road trips. Random I know. But there is something about a road trip, even if it is only for a day. I don't even have to GO anywhere, we can just drive and I always learn something.

Saturday was a perfect day for a road trip, and as we cruised up the 5 heading to Seattle, I couldn't stop my mind from wandering about all the "stories" we were passing. Every car, every house, every gas station had someone in it who was a daughter, a brother, a mother, a coworker, a friend or a fiend. Every single place we passed had someone with a story, and I was enthralled. To think how big my world feels when I am in my little neighborhood, but then to realize the millions of other stories out there- in towns, cities and even countries outside my backyard truly gives you a sense of awe. To know that the Lord God of heaven, maker of everything I see, keeps track of all these stories from before birth to forever. Double wow. It puts my whining about a bad Monday in perspective, doesn't it? Being involved in the lives around us is a privilege.

The reason for our road trip was even better. Steve's Grandpa Earl was celebrating his 90th Birthday. Talk about a story. It was so wonderful to see him smiling and greeting so many people who loved him and wanted to let him know it. He had family all around him- wife, children, grands and great grands, church family and even men who he had impacted through his ministry at Prison Fellowship. Seeing the life this man has lived, and the people he had helped and encouraged was the best. When we're 90- what will our story be?

My favorite moment was when Stef asked Earl and Anne to kiss in front of the cake. So adorable to see this couple who have been kissing each other for 70 years. But even better to see the bright red blush of this 87 year old bride!! Priceless!

God bless you and keep you, and may He give you a legacy of forgiveness, compassion and love.
"Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God." Ecclesiastes 5:18-19
(photo from the whole family gathering at Christmas. So cool)

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Renee - I love your thoughts about stories. I'm so glad our stories have crossed. Blessings to your Grandpa!