His Abundant Grace

After enduring a very difficult week, my daughter and I decided to get out of Dodge. We made plans to meet my little sister (one of my favorite people) and her daughter (one of my daughter's favorite people) for a little back-to-school shopping adventure. The two of us had a couple of hours to visit before we got there, something that is becoming ever more rare now that she has an active social life. I was reminded of how much I really like the person she is and the woman she is becoming; I am blessed and thanked God right then for the gift of Rachel.

As we got closer to our destination, I asked her to pull out the map she downloaded from the internet and give me directions to the outlet mall where we were going to spend our day. Long story short, we ended up parked on a dead-end road in front of an industrial park! The comedy of errors which led us there left us laughing so hard we couldn't call anyone for help if we wanted to! After I caught my breath, called my sister and found my way to our destination, I thanked God for the gift of Laughter.

We completed our shopping mission successfully. All the jeans, capris, tops and the rest were ensconced safely in our trunk. My niece, Rachel's cousin, came home with us in our car so she could spend a few days with her cuz before school begins. As they visited in the back seat, sharing giggles and ringtones, I reflected on our busy day and how much I enjoyed the company of my sister. I took a moment and thanked God for the gift of Family.

We were home for only a few minutes when my daughter's boyfriend came by to pick her up so they could join his family in celebrating a 2-year-old's birthday. The first thing he said was his other sister-in-law was on her way to the hospital to have their much anticipated first child, so that part of the family would be missing from the festivities that evening. We were all giddy with excitement and expectation for this new precious baby, now on its way. Elijah was gracious enough to be born in time for the announcement of his birth at church Sunday morning. I have been able to see pictures of him already. He is pink and handsome with a full head of hair. His mouth, fingers and chubby cheeks are perfect. With tears in my eyes, I thanked God for the gift of New Life.

We worship a generous and loving God. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness.

I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.

For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.

-Psalm 57:9-11