SUNDAY MORNING IMPROMPTU

It has been raining...storming since around 6pm last night, and little Sam hasn't been out, so when I got up to pace the floor he sprang from his bed and ran to the back door to see if the rain had slowed. We went outside together where the storm had calmed to a gentle dropping rain. My bare feet slapped the wet pavement of the concrete patio as we ran around it together. I inhaled the scent of wet red clay soaked with rain. My cotton gown began to weigh with rainwater as strands of damp hair clung to my face and shoulders, but the warmth of the August night shielded me from chill. An angel in white cotton, I began to spin, arms outstretched, under the branches of an elm tree. It is Sunday morning, and I worship.

TRAVEL TRIP
or I AM BLESSED
I flew out to Indiana last week to visit my younger brother and his lovely wife. (Thanks for your hospitality, guys.)

I was overwhelmed by their simple but simply extravagant hospitality. I slept on an airmattress on the floor of their living room, but I couldn't have been more comfortable in a suite at the Ritz. The highlighted activities of the week were
1) taking a walk around Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana
2) going shopping with my brother and sister-in-law to buy a new TV
3) eating, drinking, and making merry

And here's my icing on the cake: During the trip home, I got to have a sleepover in Dallas with my cousins (they are 2 and 4 months). One of them generously gave up his bed to me while he slept in his brother's crib. Their mom (also my cousin) fed me Campbell's soup, peanut butter and jelly, and apple juice. I also had brunch at Denny's with a favorite aunt. Fancy, huh?

Don't misunderstand me! I am NOT scoffing! Would you believe me if I told you that last week was one of the most enjoyable weeks of my life?

Despite terror threats, flight delays, and (still) lost baggage...I was in the Atlanta airport for 9 hours, and folks, that's 9 hours with no lipgloss, and yes, I'm still waiting on my suitcase. Thanks, AirTran!...Despite ALL this, I wouldn't have changed that trip for the world.

I made new and deeper connections with some of the people in this world who love me the most. I got to have 15 precious spur-of-the-moment minutes in Atlanta during my layover with my dearest and oldest friend. (I love you, baby!) I even made a new friend on the plane between Atlanta and Indy who made that leg of the journey literally fly. Just a few of the many ways Heaven shines down when we open our hearts, shrug off discomfort, and smile at airline employees.

I am blessed.