A Vision in White

So there we were again, Lily and I walking on the bike trail. The crickets chirping, birds singing and the sun hung perfectly in the sky. As we turned for home I saw a small image half a mile or so in front of us. As Lily continued to prance ahead we drew closer to the image. Moments turned to minutes and the figure became clear. There running towards me in a white cotton sun dress, was my three year old daughter. Her gait quickened as she saw us approaching. Once close enough she leaped into my arms.

Literally moments before the white blob became clear, I had been praying. I was asking God to guide the day. Asking Him to slow me down so that I could see His beauty all around. And pleading to feel His presence. The white cloaked toddler was like an angel sent to remind me that God loves me and hears me and runs to me.

Butterfly Kisses

It's been a little while since my last blog entry. In 45 days we had the privilege and horror of saying goodbye to my brother-in-law, Eric. He was a gentle, generous and giving soul. Lily had a puppy-sitter for a good part of the month of July. I will share some of those misadventures soon. But before launching into our puppy adventures, I would like to pause and honor the simple rhythm of our Creator.

After returning from steamy Houston, mind scrambled and heart broken... I took Lily for a walk. Up on the bike trail behind our house, the clouds hung in a vivid blue sky. The lake water was like glass. The breeze rustled the grass and wild flowers on either side of the path. As we walked we were followed by a cluster of tiny yellow butterflies. Lily and I walked, well truthfully Lily tugged as I sped to catch up with her pace. After a few moments, she noticed the butterflies. Lily began to prance and almost dance with the flowing movements of the butterflies. For a fleeting second she gently batted at the the butterflies. It was as if she was communing with them, hugging, kisses, sharing tender space. Lily looked like a dog out of a Norman Rockwell photograph.

And then, as quickly as I could say: "One Mississippi, Two Mississippi, Three Mississippi" the playful banter ended. Lily's jaw clamped down and three of the five butterflies met their demise. Crushed by Lily's over-zealous attempt to experience their beauty.

I couldn't help but reflect on the experience of losing our loved one. In the bustle of life we sometimes forget to live. And then life ends. Just like the butterfly who was bringing beauty and depth to our walk was crushed by an unsuspecting spectator, we never know when our live's will end.

Life is all about living. One of my greatest lessons (one that I forget easily and often) is to LIVE every moment and to LOVE who I am with. No one knows the day or the hour they will leave this earth. So LIVE your life. Bask in the beauty of our Creator. Rest in the arms of the One who made you. Smile, Hug, Share words of encouragement and tell the one's you love that YOU LOVE THEM.