And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. – Romans 5:5

First, a good laugh with Mr. Max:

The following is my accurate transcription of an actual conversation I had as I was checking in with Max Retriever at the (most excellent) dog spa/groomers this morning:

• Me: “Just a bath and tidy-up for Max, please.”
• Groomer (pulls out a-la-cart checklist): “How would you like his haunches shaped?”
• Me: “Huh?”
• Groomer: “Some people are particular about the back legs.”
• Me: “He’s a boy! Just a bath and a trim would be fine.”
• Groomer: “Close all the way down, or tapered?”
• Me: “He’s not a shrub, he’s a Golden Retriever!”
• Groomer (giggles): “Okay, I get it!”

Miami:

The news from Miami continues to be full with the cuteness overload that is baby Geoffrey William. “G.W.” – as I have started to call him – is still eagerly awaiting his first Grandaddy Derek and Grandmama Rebekah hugs. But the coming months of ramped up COVID severity call for caution and so I guess we’ll just have to wait. Sigh…

So far, David and Beks are embracing the big sibling role. They are both such happy and kind-hearted children and I am so very proud of the genuinely good people they are becoming.

Even their pup, Kylo (a sweet-natured but genuinely demented dog) is able to help out once in a while.

Driving:

Wake Forest is a lovely community. We have a few million/billion trees and – other than all the raking and bagging – I couldn’t be happier with how beautiful the fall has been around here.

Sometimes simply driving to and from the grocery store makes me smile. So these images, hurriedly snapped through the windshield while in motion, blue skies, scattered clouds, bold colors and filtered sunlight, give a little bit of an impression. One year I’m going to have the time and the freedom to park and walk every time a possible photograph presents itself.

Deeply Grateful:

With everything that is goin on in the world right now, the sheer unmitigated 2020-ness of it all, I remain profoundly grateful for my life, our family, our church, this community – and so much more.

These daily musings are intended to be a journal for me, a vehicle for reflection and good news, and – hopefully – some inspiration and encouragement for you.

Regardless, peace and more peace from our house to yours – Derek