A Taste of Heaven March 9, 2009

Amy, Connie, Mary, Leslie

I got home last night from Florida. We walked for miles on the beach, shopped all over Jacksonville, and went through old pictures.  I am tired and rejuvenated all at the same time.

There was magic this weekend with my college friends.  We picked up right where we left off.  There was a level of acceptance and love that has strengthened through the years.  Not because of shared experiences (we’ve not nurtured these relationships during the past 20 years) but because we have all had our faces turned toward Jesus.  We have all nurtured a relationship with Jesus.

We all have the same goals for our lives and families.  We want to bring honor and glory to God in everything we do.

I was in a safe place this weekend.  I was okay.  I belonged.  I don’t always feel that way.  I’m not always in a safe place with other people.

I think heaven will be a safe place.  I will be okay.  I will belong.  And so will you.

“In my Father’s house are many rooms…I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”  John 14:2-3

What a reunion heaven will be.  A place full of people who have nurtured a relationship with Jesus.  I think I had a taste of heaven this weekend.

Turn Around March 6, 2009

“Hello.”  I said into the cell phone after nearly dropping it in the floor board of the car.

“Turn around and come home.  Our life is in shambles.”  My heart sank.

Not what I wanted to hear 400 miles from home with 400 more to go before I reached my destination.

“Really?  Do I really need to turn around?”

“Sort of…”  Okay, I was relieved.  Maybe I wouldn’t have to go back.  My normally laid-back, go-with-the-flow husband sounded tired and a little tense.

“What happened?  Is someone sick?  Is there a broken arm?”

“Meredith couldn’t find the Cascade and put Dawn, regular dish soap, into the dishwasher. Bubbles and water are pouring out of the dishwasher.”

I nearly had to pull over on the shoulder of I-20, I was laughing so hard.  Bless her heart.  She was trying to help while I was out of town.  It was Wednesday night and they were about to leave for church when the bubbles marched onto the kitchen floor.

I was halfway to Jacksonville, FL when Scott called with the news.  Mary, one of my college roommates, and I were headed to a roommate reunion.  We said we would do this every year after graduation, but this was our first reunion ever.  It has been over 20 years since the four of us have been together.

We are at a condo on the beach and have until Sunday to reconnect.

It is never easy for me to leave, but surely it’s good for the family to manage a few days on their own. Part of me secretly hopes something goes wrong while I’m gone…something small, that is easily fixed.  Something to remind them they still need mom.

I got my secret wish!

I’ll be home Sunday welcomed by a bedraggled family and a clean kitchen floor!