All things bright and beautiful, 
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful, 
the Lord God made them all.

Cecil Frances Alexander (1848)

Today’s “Photo-Friday” collection is disjointed but interesting.

First, I have to share this “not so happy” image from the oral surgeon’s office. I have nothing but thanks and compliments for the doctor and his staff, but I was beat up regardless. It was not a straightforward extraction and it’s going to take me a few days to feel recovered and be able to move beyond yoghurt and scrambled eggs.

The grandchildren:

Next, more joy and goodness from Naomi and Craig’s family in Miami. Baby Geoffrey is growing fast, and his older siblings continue to shine in all the good ways. School, Boy Scouts, ballet.

And then Game Night. It is a Campbell tradition to teach the children new games and to play as a family. Games are one of the best ways to teach patience, strategy, manners, cooperation, competition, grace, and so much more. Kudos to Naomi and Craig for their commitment to raising these children well.

Beauty parlor!

Then, earlier in the week, both Max and I went to the beauty parlor at the same time (Dirty Dog Spa for him, Who Does Your Hair? for me – or was it the other way around?). Max of course has the most extensive expensive “spa” visit, but this time I did have my beard trimmed too. I’m thinking we took too much off but I’m sure it will grow back.

Finally, there’s my mum at the eye doctor; her check up is going to morph into a visit to the retina specialist and then cataract surgery. I could write an entire post about how Jesus is always encouraging us to “Open your eyes, people!” and “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light” (Matthew 6:22).

But I will just say this: Always, let the light shine in, and let God’s love heal and illuminate and refresh our entire beings.

Praying peace, grace, mercy, love, promise, and light on us all – DEREK