Gordon and I returned home Monday after 5 days in Arkansas where we watched my sweet Stephanie wed John Mark. It was a glorious occasion and Stephanie and John Mark make a handsome couple.
Stephanie's dad and his wife did up a gorgeous reception. I trust Stephanie and John Mark reveled in the evening and have pleasant memories for years to come.
I had a delightful evening reconnecting with people I've not spoken with in years.
Stephanie has clearly married into a wonderful family and I'm thankful for that.
Christopher blessed me with a wonderful honor. It's not something I can blog, but it was definitely the highlight of my trip down. Actually, it was probably the highlight of my year. It wasn't just the "gift," it was the snap-shot of his heart. I simply can't express my awe at what I saw in him. He actually became my hero. I saw a humility, a wisdom, a boldness, a righteousness that I didn't know a 16-year-old could exhibit. It was amazing. He is amazing.
Every time I travel back to Arkansas, I lay more ghosts to rest. This trip was significant in that way too. More ghosts buried, more victories won. I read a billboard today that said, "Only the humble improve." I can't take home any awards for being the most humble, but I can say that I continue to see God's grace revealed to me and it's clearest when I'm walking in humility. I have so far to go, but praise be to God, I'm not where I was 15 years ago, 10, 5, or 1 year ago. I'm thankful to God for that.
Highlights of my trip:
- Gordon was with me and we had a great time together.
- Seeing Stephanie's dream come to fruition.
- Laughing hysterically with my family over and over and over.
- The food down there is great.
- Christopher, I learned a lot about him and grew to love him more.
- My Mom and Pabob, my brother Michael and his wife Lawana, my sister Diane, my dad, Misty, Mindi, Amy, and Jeff. I loved my time with all of these. I loved the connecting and I loved the laughter.
Labels: arkansas, christmas, Stephanie