How good and pleasant it is
    when God’s people live together in unity!

 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
    running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
    down on the collar of his robe.
 It is as if the dew of Hermon
    were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
    even life forevermore. – Psalm 133

Our epic road trip with the grandchildren was fun, the vacation was an unqualified success, and I still have a lot more to share. At the same time it is so very good to be home. There is something beautiful about settling back into the rhythms of life.

We need both, to be sure. We need the challenge and excitement of new horizons, and our spirits are renewed. But we are nurtured and sustained by the day-to-day anchor of home, community, church and work.

So I grabbed a few images over the past few days that are more grounded here in Tarboro.

The river certainly changed over three weeks! Of course that’s what rivers do. But there is so much more water and it looks like a lot still to come. I especially like the view (above) down toward the railroad bridge.

Then our church, both the beautiful sanctuary and the natural sense of community we feel. Howard Memorial Presbyterian is the kind of congregation where it is easy to be completely at home.

Also, and this makes the fact of our coming move feel a little more real, we have secured a storage unit here in Tarboro to help with the transition.

Finally, my (necessary) response to the extremes and the discomforts of travel diet. Hamburgers, fries, and fresh vegetables. I plan to serve a markedly more simple diet until we are settled in again!

So there you have it. An undramatic but very positive Photo Friday. Quite simply, we are beginning to feel anchored here. There is a lot more traveling in our future, but there has to be a place where we know we always belong. I believe we have found it.

Now maybe I can start writing again too!

Peace and blessings – always – DEREK