Homecoming

We used to attend a very small church. We went back to visit this morning for a homecoming celebration in honor of their 125th anniversary. It was nice to be reunited with old friends and to see how everyone has changed. We have great memories woven into the fabric of that church. The fellow members of that congregation were very much an extension of our own family. Today, years later, many of those good people have moved on to new cities or new church families, and they have been replaced with new faces, many of which I did not recognize. It has me thinking about how change is such a funny thing. It felt a little strange to be with familiar people in familiar surroundings, but to not be part of each other's daily lives anymore. Of course, we enjoyed sharing updates about our family, and hearing about other's updates too. Some were happy, some not so much. That is how change goes. I don't always notice change on a daily basis, because it creeps up on me. Like the little boys from the church nursery who are now as tall as me, and have facial hair and size twelve feet. Or some of the young girls from youth group who now have children of their own to raise. Yes, change can sneak up indeed, and it can make a homecoming somewhat bittersweet.

Emma and I didn't get home until nearly 3:00. I sat down in the rocker to feed her, and while she was nursing she grabbed hold of her left foot, and proceeded to insert her big toe into her left ear. Proving my theory, by the way, that this child? She oozes talent. Circus worthy, perhaps. The tiny peanut that used to be just a handful now fills up my lap. Those long legs will soon be spilling right over the edge of our rocker. Some changes are just plain fun and exciting. And they make me grateful that the home I come to makes every homecoming sweet.

In other news. Ike? He had a reputation for being quite the bully. So much so that Buzzard and I worked very hard on Friday to "batten down the hatches". We rearranged the garage to accommodate all our patio furniture, lawn decorations, potted plants, hanging baskets, etc. If I were to exaggerate slightly I could call what we ended up getting a "shower". It was really more like a sprinkle. The storm path ended up missing us almost entirely. However, I know there are many who felt the brunt of Ike's wrath, and my prayers go to the families and loved ones who are facing desperate times.

And speaking of loved ones, my Dad and his wife lost power for four days after Gustav. I watched my radar loop intently last night, and from what I could tell the storm that passed me by was barrelling down hard on Hot Springs. My calls to them go unanswered, which leads me to believe they are without power once again. If you guys are reading, let me know that you are home safe. I love you!

One final homecoming note. Our friends have an eight year old daughter who was diagnosed with severe seizures in 2005. She underwent brain surgery this past week, and God just worked miracles all over the place. I give Him glory tonight, and share the praise that one very precious little girl came home this morning, for a happy reunion with her parents and two sisters.

So, to recap, it has rained, and it has rained blessings. Hope you all had a good weekend too.