April 22 is officially Earth Day/Arbor Day. It also happens to be “Trails Day” in my small town. So, what a perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy a long hike, one of my favorite things. I got up, prepared what I felt I needed for an hour or two, laced up my joggers, and headed out. I expected there would be a few more walking with me today since it was a special event. At the trailhead, a couple of tents were set up, one for a local gym and another for a local nursery promoting free trees for…
Luke 15:11-32 tells us of a father and his two sons. The sons grew up in the father’s house and were given all they needed daily. But the youngest felt restricted and limited by the rules his father had placed on him. As a young man, he didn’t want to wait for his father’s death; he wanted his inheritance immediately. His father agreed and divided his wealth between his two sons. Within a few days, the youngest son leaves home. He meets up with friends who are only too happy to encourage him in his sinful way of living. Maybe…
As I watch her excitedly climb the ladder to slide down the other side, I’m gripped with the knowledge that this is a fleeting moment. I see the joy in her upturned face as she talks to the trees, the birds, the flowers, asking them to play. Once again, I experience the firsts, the lasts, the growing, and the changing. I tell her she’s a “big girl” as she carefully, determinedly tries to put on her shoes. I remember this all so well, an echo of what was and what is again. What a blessing to experience childhood a third…