A week ago, I made a last-minute decision to go home to see my momma for the weekend. Dad was gone deer hunting all weekend and I knew it would be a time, like it was in my growing up years, when mom and I could be together and relax. I LOVE my daddy...but sometimes it is good for mom and I to have girl time. We hadn't gotten to do this since I had my first child 6 years ago! This weekend- for that reason- was especially special. I took my youngest with me, but surprised even myself by leaving my girl to stay with her daddy and do fun things like go to Chuck E. Cheese with her cousin in tow. The drive home was gorgeous...clear and sunny. The leaves had fallen off the trees at the bottom but higher up on the foothills, they were vivid, inviting colors. They seemed to almost say, "keep driving..." Seriously, they were mesmerizing. As we got to mom's, the afternoon sun was fading into evening but it felt like time paused for a few minutes and the sun stayed put in that clear, cool November sky before dropping down and pushing the day into dusk. Have you ever had a moment like that? It was/is super cool to reflect on. My boy and I walked up the lane toward the house, and after looking in the house and not finding mom, we headed to the barn to see if she was feeding the horses. Then my boy saw her. His NONNA. And that is just what he yelled...he yelled with full happiness in his voice. His feet couldn't catch up with his happiness fast enough. It's a sweet thing to see your child in sheer astonishment and joy at the sight of your mom. Blessed. So blessed. Nonna is the best nonna in this entire world. She has a gift from God. Seeing her in action right after I had my kids made me appreciate it, because unfortunately, I took it for granted way too often when I was growing up!
Mom was definitely shocked, but in a good way, to see us. We all hugged happy hugs and I knew I made the right decision! We had the best weekend just spending time together. We stayed up late and talked like we used to when I was in high school, then afterward, I slept the best I'd slept in a long time. The next morning, we went to visit my best friend together and spent hours talking and laughing on this big soft, hugging couch that overlooked a big, peaceful valley. I felt like both were there for us that day, just for us, just for that day, although I know that sounds so silly. After that, we took Noah to feed the ducks and geese at the lake. They waddled and quacked right up to him. He giggled and my heart warmed again. (PICTURE COMING) Before we left, we took him to see lots of boats, docked for the winter, and sat overlooking the water. It was cold, but a great day for the three of us to be at the lake.
The icing on the cake came when I decided to stay an extra day so I could see my dad on his birthday! He had some inner contemplations about this specific birthday that I won't get into, so I thought what better time to stay! So the icing...after being gone all weekend (and coming home without a buck, to his dismay), dad asked me to go to church with him. At first I said, "No, I don't think I will, I'm tired. Well, I don't know. I am torn, so maaaybe I will..." He walked off to do something and I said the same to mom. Then my soul lit-up and I said to myself.... Yes. Yes you will go. There is no contemplation. Your dad asked you to go to church, the very place you prayed he would come back to (and the lifestyle you prayed for), and the culmination of years of praying from mom. The drive to town was peaceful. Sitting together in church (uncle behind me) filled my cup to overflowing. Psalm 23:5 "You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies and my cup runneth over." And it did. And it still does. I drink from my saucer and give God the glory. After church, dad had a meeting that ended up lasting almost 2.5 hours. I can honestly say I have never been happier to wait on somebody in my life. I am so proud of dad. Sometimes people live a whole lifetime without figuring it out...as dad said to me a year ago..."I am not perfect and I'm going to mess up, and it took me a long, long time, but I think I've got this figured out." He went on to talk about life and how God and family are the most important things. The next morning, I woke up and headed down the steps. I saw dad face-down, kneeling to pray. I asked if he was okay, and he said yes. I realized then that he was praying ever so humbly. A few minutes later, when I went to shower, I overheard he and mom laugh about me asking if he was okay. Mom laughed out loud, then when dad questioned her, she caught her breath long enough to tell him he could have said he was inspecting the laminate! Dad laughed and said he could have said he wanted to get a closer look at the area rug. JOY, jOy, JoY like no other. Their laughter was full, and it wasn't just because they were making jokes about how he could have answered me.
Love my parents. Love my foothills. And I love my Lord though I fail Him daily. Yet without relationship and recognition of The Lord, my joys wouldn't be as joyful (laughter on the hugging couch with a true overcomer of a best friend) or my peace so poignant (sleep like I needed down in my soul). And ya know, when I saw that sunset that seemed to stand still the first day I arrived at "home", I wonder, could it have? Joshua 10:13 "And the sun stood still, and the moon hung...." Yes. It could have. Did it really? No, probably not, but the fact that I have faith in who hung it there to begin with is enough for me...HOME.
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