a few (grateful) Thursday photos…

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Sometimes getting ready to go on vacation can involve so much hard work that we’re exhausted before we even leave. Good thing the first week is going to be a cruise!

In consequence, my brain has requested the morning off. So today’s post will be driven by a few “slice of life” photos.

First, the “featured” image at the top of this post. My parents’ house – directly next door – is in the middle of some renovations, plus there’s been a lot going on in the garden. Trees may be a mess to deal with sometimes, but I love the way both our homes (see slideshow below) nestle into the woods at the end of our cul-de-sac. They didn’t come up with the name Wake Forest for our town for nothing!

Then, the grandkids are finishing off a fun week at Disney with Naomi and Craig. I’m not sure if there’s one particular “perfect age” for the experience, but it would be hard to argue with three and four.

Naomi has a photograph of Beks with just about every Disney princess imaginable. But this one – with Beks wearing her Elsa dress – is beyond priceless.

Then, splashing in the water, exuberant glee, life embraced with nothing held back, the images remind me how we are called to follow Jesus with a childlike (not childish) spirit. Thanks, kids, for the reminder.

So, this is my prayer today, for each one of us: I pray that everything we do will be couched in childlike wonder and joy, and proceed from there with both an appreciation for our blessings and a maturing, invitational, life of intentional discipleship.

Peace, and more peace – DEREK