Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

1 Tim 6:17-19

Saturday, after realizing we could not hang out with our wonderful grandchildren (see yesterday’s post – “When You Drive 650 Miles…“), Rebekah and I headed over to Orlando’s The Mall at Millenia.

It’s been a while since we had a “mall date”, just walking around, arm in arm, window shopping, and enjoying being together. It’s also been years since we were in a mall where the stores were evidently doing so well, and where lots of people came.

But there’s something about Orlando that always seems to be extra new and super shiny. Not just shiny but verging on glitzy! And this mall has all the bells and whistles. High end and then some.

There’s a section that’s nothing but designer stores: featuring Prada, Versace, Dior, Chanel, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Tiffany and Company, Louis Vuitton, Rolex, and more. Good grief it reminded me of the fabulous Galleria in Milan!

So we ate too expensive food at Brio. We walked the entire mall, upstairs and downstairs. We ogled at the designer stores as if we had never before seen a $750 men’s cotton shirt (Neiman Marcus), or a $1200 sauté pan (Williams Sonoma), or a $1,400 pair of sneakers (Prada).

It was fun. We held hands and we laughed and we stole kisses.

But most of all we missed our grandchildren. Sigh.

We know that our grands will get well; and we know we will be able to play together again; and we know that we will, absolutely and in no time at all, be back.

The mall was fun, yes, but Paul put it so well: In all things we will take hold of the life that is truly life – DEREK