Saturday, October 27, 2012

Dear God,

Thirty five degrees, this morning we awaken in our tents in the campground to thirty-five-degree weather.  As I breathe in the fresh, cold, and breezy air I realize we have all slept more than nine hours, nine glorious hours in sleeping bags with fleece blankets.  How much better does it get than that?

As I listen to the dying leaves falling upon my tent, I recognize once again the value of each season's work.  I give thanks while experiencing creation at its best in Indiana.  As I dress inside my sleeping bag, preparing for the day with five top layers of clothing, I look over to my left, lean near to little Lucy and Stella, and pull up the covers to keep them warm.  As I step outside the tent, I am whipped about by the brisk autumn wind.  I step over to the campfire pit, tightly wad up paper, make a little tent with twigs, and strike a match catching the paper afire.  As I blow upon the tiny spark, the wood catches and I feel the first warmth of the morning, and ooh, ooh, aah, how good it feels.

As I look around the area, I spill over with love for Josh, BJ, and Matt, my three sons-in-law who dislike the cold, camping, and sleeping on the ground, yet joined me on this adventurous expedition weekend with seven of their total children.  How happy I am to remember their playfulness with the kids and their willingness to help build fires, cook, and clean up.

I am elated to be with seven of my grandkids:  Gabrielle, Jack, Stella, Rylan, Lucy, Grace, and Sophie.  What fun they are to be with, to hug and tease, to squeeze them, to call them funny names, to tuck them into their bedrolls, and to listen to them say to me, "I love you, Grandma."

But most of all, dear God, I am filled with gratitude to be in your company in the beautiful fall with ten of the people I love most in the world.  I believe you have given me the gift of your living presence through them and I bubble with joy!

Thank you,
Gracious God,
for special moments
in time.
Thank you
for love
that is
always growing.
Thank you
for gifts
beyond measure.

Love, Andrea