Night

I've been doing a significant amount of driving while I have been in the US this month. I have done most of it alone, and some of it has been late at night. As I drove out to Hutchinson last week, my mind started wandering, pondering...

The life of faith is a lot like driving at night. You can't see very far in the distance to know what is coming ahead or what direction the road might turn. The only thing that illuminates the road in front of you (often) is your headlights. There is often a speed limit posted. Objects or animals can often appear unexpectedly in your field of vision causing you to need to react quickly. Driving at night also makes it a bit harder to find the right road to turn on meaning sometimes unexpected detours.

Similarly, in the life of faith, you can't see very far ahead. God certainly knows what turns your path may take, but it is almost always a mystery to us. God has given us His Word to be the lamp unto our feet and the light for our path. I also believe He gives His Spirit to aid in this as well. I feel too often we rush ahead--not only in our driving, but also in our spiritual lives as well. In some ways I picture that God has posted a 'speed limit' sign for our spiritual journeys asking us to follow His timing, to not rush ahead, and to not wish we were in a different spot than we are. As for the animals jumping out, I think we all experience many things that feel like
swerves and sudden surprises. Isn't it reassuring that God knew they were coming. Things that feel like detours in our lives are often designed for a purpose.

I know that in my life there have been many things that I would not have chosen, but I am so thankful for the road that God has brought me down and the reminders that He goes before me and with me.

Aren't kids the greatest:)

I have had such fun times this summer hanging out with kids! I love their innocent smiles and immediate friendships. I love watching them learn and grow. I also enjoy watching their parents and grandparents:)

We are to be like children--so what are you learning today and how are you growing?

I'm growing in my faith to believe that God will meet our needs for the fall. I don't know how it is going to happen, but I want to walk forward believing that He is able. May we not become stagnant in our growth.

Friends

I am amazed at how God continues to renew friendships each time I come to visit. Last summer I stayed with Mandy, Jason, and Seth Johnson. I got to hang out with them for a few days last week. Seth seemed to warm up pretty quickly. I had a blast playing, reading, watching construction at the new Rainbow on Larpenter, and tracking down road construction vehicles on Hamline.

Isn't it great how God provides friends for different seasons of our lives...and some that seem to stick with us through many seasons...forever friends. How cool is that!

Seth and I hanging out together.

The 'road eater' at work on Hamline. It was quite the operation! (If anyone knows the 'technical term' for the machine that 'eats' the road surface and then spits it out, I'd love to learn:) )

Driving

Yesterday gas dropped to $3.77 and I was rejoicing, until I realized how strange it was to be excited about such a thing--it's still expensive. Today's low price--$3.73.

Family Fun :)

It has been a joy to spend some time with my family this summer. We are rarely all in the same place at the same time. I love that we can play and laugh together!

I'm really an Aunt!!

The reality of this whole new thing is setting in as I soak up time with my niece. I love to listen to her talk and to see her face light up with a smile. She loves bath time and swinging. I know that it will be hard to leave at the beginning of next month...

Visiting Grandpa

I was able to get down to Albert Lea to visit my grandparents this weekend. My grandpa is still recovering from his accident in April. It was good to hear him joking and to be able to play cards together. I look forward to his continued recovery and when one day we will be able to run and jump together in heaven.