Robert Louis Stevenson
It was a weekend filled with gifts - great and small. Their commonality was the Giver - a loving Father who pours out His love in ways that enrich beyond measure.
In the midst of the bustle and excitement of the big events in our lives, if we take a moment to slow and look closely, we see the evidence of His abiding presence. It is there in the hours and days that seemed filled with sameness and failings. There in the years that seemed to stretch so far ahead and were suddenly gone, leaving us wondering if we had done all. There in the joys and sorrows, the gains and losses.
Through tear-dimmed eyes we see the things we couldn't see then. We see promises fulfilled, answered prayer, unexpected joy and hope for the future. And having seen we know that He is faithful. We can put, with renewed faith and immeasurable gratitude, the days and years that are to come.
I am so thankful for:
- children who yesterday (or so it seems) filled our home with noise and love and all those "growing up things," and today fill my heart with wonder at the adults they have become.
- grace that took my bumbling attempts at parenting and worked in my children's hearts with wisdom and love
- His faithfulness in times we simply couldn't see how it would all work out
- love that multiplies a thousandfold and comes back in ways we couldn't imagine
- Grandchildren - Just JOY!!
- these two - so dear - a beautiful daughter and a new son
- little granddaughters - looking through their eyes and seeing all the beauty and wonder
- His part in making it all so lovely - the majestic trees casting shadows, the gentle breeze, the grass carpet - and later the heavens filled with twinkling lights
- my favorite girls
My heart is still processing it all. Sometimes it just has trouble keeping up with the rapid trickle of sand through the hour-glass. It wonders, feeling as it does that it is still just a young heart itself, how it is that the baby is all grown up and married? And just when did those Grandchildren grow so tall?
A look in the mirror explains it all, but truthfully, I am often startled to see that face, with its lines and wrinkles, looking back at me. It reminds me that I must hold the moments closely. This was a weekend filled with priceless moments. I am thankful.
linking today to Ann's Gratitude Community.
Blessings,
Linda
A little apology for the pictures: they are the ones I took - so we are conspicuously absent :-) When the newlyweds return, I hope to have much better pictures!
oh.. Linda. no words.
ReplyDeleteblessings and congratulations and love .
what an amazing beautiful post
ReplyDeleteyour words tell a story of a happy day
filled with Family and emotion
she was a beautiful bride (o:
Thanks for sharing some of the day
Your words are so expressive and loving. Congratulations to you and yours!
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ReplyDeleteBeautiful - everything! The setting, the cake, the bride and her gown, the words by you - especially. What a wonderful event - can't wait to see more pictures!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a beautiful wedding and memories for your heart.
ReplyDeleteOh, she was a beautiful
ReplyDeletebride, Linda. Everything
looks so lovely. I wish
them well!
Congratulations to the happy couple! Looks like it was a lovely day!
ReplyDeleteoh sigh...it all looks beautiful :-)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Linda! Everything... and everyone... is so beautiful! What a special day. Wishing them a lifetime of happiness together! ♥
ReplyDeleteif we take a moment to slow and look closely, we see the evidence of His abiding presence.
ReplyDeleteoh Linda, this is your most beautiful post yet. i found such comfort in your words, on a day filled with so much sameness. thank you friend. i'm so very happy for you... your daughter is so beautiful.
Such eloquence! Such elegance! A lovely day to enjoy this special day! I enjoyed the pics and look forward to more.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Linda! How beautiful the bride and groom ~ there is much love in their eyes!
ReplyDeleteEverything looks so dreamy... I love the deep green colors of nature contrasted with the white canopy. So, so pretty!
Happy Mother's Day! What a memorable one too!
*Blessings Always,
Maria
C'est magnifique! What a glorious day!
ReplyDeleteOh Linda, what a beautiful couple your daughter and SIL make and I truly wish them all the happiness in the world! As for your grandchildren, just adorable:-) I'm so glad to hear that the wedding went so well and I can see even the weather cooperated!! Everything looked awesome and no doubt the guests had a great time.
ReplyDeleteIt's heartwarming that in all that busyness, you were able to reflect on how He was there and doing His share:-) xoxo
Such beautiful, beautiful pictures! I can only imagine the JOY that filled your heart, Linda. I love your words, " We see promises fulfilled, answered prayer, unexpected joy and hope for the future." Ah, such blessings! :)
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