The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
    He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
    he refreshes my soul. – Psalm 23

These past few days have been a spectacular example of late spring in North Carolina. In consequence, the deck has been our number one hangout (and if my laptop battery worked I’d be out there now).

This first image – above – captures the scene as well as I can. Scout, who loves to be out on the deck more than anything; Rebekah playing the dulcet tones of her ukelele; sunshine streaming through the backdrop of trees.

I could spend all day there, listening to the birds sing from the branches, watching them land on the feeder. We live in a quiet neighborhood and we hardly hear any traffic. The deck is a good place to relax, to recharge and to recalibrate our spirits.

This morning (in the Saturday men’s group) we talked about excellence in all things, and how inviting Jesus into our experiences comes along with the invitation to do and be our best. Today, sitting under the trees on the deck, sipping coffee and drinking in the goodness of creation, I am enjoying excellence in the realm of restoration

So enjoy a restful weekend, remembering that community worship on Sunday morning can be a key ingredient of restoration. Fact is, the context of a renewed relationship with God makes it all the sweeter and all the more powerful.

Grateful for this place, this community, our deck, and this wonderful old puppy-dog – DEREK