reflections...

Well, I have been distracted lately and not updating my blog. I know all my "fans" have been heart broken and so...here I am:) (you know who you are...all TWO of you...lol)

I am relishing the lovely weather we have had! It's been so wonderful to enjoy sunny days and have a reprieve from clouds, cold and rain. I love the NW, but goodness...it's sure at it's best when the sun shines and you can actually see the glorious mountains we are surrounded by. Oh yes, and I have MANY important tasks keeping me busy lately...frolicking with my nieces in the waters of the frigid Puget Sound, eating Popsicles, lounging at the Kirkman's pool and a little running through sprinklers (at work no less!). I am truly a blessed woman...what more does one need?

There is something about summertime that brings to mind the many summer days I had as a child. It is amazing how the smell of fresh cut grass, and BBQ bring back so many memories. Being around water is especially one of those memory "joggers"--growing up near a lake afforded us with so many fond memories. I was recently recalling an incident where my friend and I were out in our row boat and I intentionally tossed the oars away from the boat--ahhhh, the adventure of it all...having to be rescued and such. It was great! (sorry Jen...muwahahhaa)

It's just amazing, how the years seem to pass so quickly and yet those summer days could feel so long. Was it not only yesterday that I was a scraggly, permed haired kid swinging off the rope into our lake and always with a propensity for mischief?(well, I still have that...the mischief that is) As I watch my nieces and friend's children grow, it causes me to treasure the moments with them, as they too, will in a matter of years cross from childhood to "adulthood". I feel so privileged to be a part of their lives and can only hope that they will not forget "Miss Marjie" or "Auntie Marj" when they go their own way, and have their own families. I can only imagine how a mother must feel, when her babies grow up--bittersweet I suppose. I love that children's book, "I'll love you Forever, I'll like you for Always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be..." A touching story of a mother caring for her child, and eventually, in her old age, the son caring for his mother and then his own future child. Although it's a little eerie, the mother sneaking into her adult child's home to rock him to sleep, it represents the many seasons of life we go through. It's a tear jerker I tell ya, always gets me! No worries though, I don't plan on stalking anyone...EXCEPT maybe little Owen K., that sweet, snotty-nosed, "darf vada" obsessed 2 year old...makes my heart go "pitter-patter"! Love that kid... :)

So, the years sail on...although I am not sure of all the stops along the way, I am certain of one thing: my final destination--the last port of call. Is not each breath we are given a gift? Each day? When you look around, there is so much to be thankful for. And as a follower of Christ, the beauty that surrounds us is only icing on the cake since we have received the greatest gift of all--redemption. And how can one not look around, and see the glory of God revealed in the splendor of the setting sun, the vastness of the ocean, and the majestic presence of snow capped mountains? And yes, the image and glory of God even in snotty-nosed, smiling little faces? It's all His handiwork.