God has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in the hearts of people, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives…
– Ecclesiastes 3:11-12
So this turned out to be a good week for photos. Rebekah. The Grandchildren. Max Retriever. The house.
Pictures are a big deal in this blog. I guess they are an important way that I am able to communicate The Good News. And good news is especially welcome in this crazy time when if it’s not politics it’s Covid, and if it’s not Covid then it’s some kind of a fight: discontent, disease, disappointment, disaster, disgrace, dissatisfaction.
So set aside all the “dis” words for the day and enjoy not so much five-photo-Friday as five sets of photos Friday.
Max:
First, everyone smiles when they see Max. Max got all groomed up at the Dirty Dog Spa this week and he came home looking extra handsome.
Then he sat with Rebekah on the front stoop. Max really does have a remarkable presence. We are convinced that, in his former life, he was trained to be a therapy dog. It’s as if he can literally absorb stress, or anxiety, or worry, while simultaneously projecting – and sharing – calm, peace, and complete acceptance.
The Grandchildren:
To say that we miss our grandchildren would be an epic understatement – David and Beks in Florida, and Mr. T. over in Dresden, Germany. So I have two “collections” to share here.
The first is a slide show from the Big Day Naomi and Beks enjoyed at the American Girl Doll store in Miami. Beks had been saving her money and had the new hearing-impaired doll in mind specifically because she has a friend who faces similar challenges. Smiles all around here (and thanks for the great photos, Naomi).
Then, here’s David with a magic trick book he got from his uncle Andrew, who – first – was given the book by his granddaddy Bob when he was eight: “I’m giving it to Mr. T. when he turns eight,” David said. David is also a pretty serious model builder, impressing even the cat with the wooden, mechanical, marble-run.
We live in a beautiful place:
Finally, let’s round out Five sets of Photos Friday with this, featuring Max and my mum outside my parents’ cottage here on the cul-de-sac in the woods where we live.
It gives a great perspective on the massive trees, the extra-large dog, and the wonderful situation where we are privileged to live.
It’s just another day in this curious year that 2020 has turned out to be.
But of course – as always – we are rooted in love, we are sustained by grace, and we live into the richness of promise. – DEREK
Awe is my word for the moments. I worked, I had to think on my feet and keep up the pace. In a different life, now retired, I really enjoy the depth of gratitude for all of my days and on waking give thanks to Creator God. Thank you, too.