Happy Mother's Day!

My wife and I have begun a tradition in the last few years. Since neither of our moms like crowds, we started taking them on a Mother's Day Eve lunch date. I know. There isn't really a day called Mother's Day Eve but it describes what we do well enough. Each of us take our mom to lunch on Saturday so we can spend quality time alone with her. It's a highlight for me.

It is so nice to be able to take my mom to a restaurant that she would never get to go to with my Dad. You see, in my immediate family, there are three 'meat and potatoes' eaters and three 'adventurous' eaters. My brother Jim, Mom and myself are the adventurers. Today's adventure was P.F. Chang's. Mom almost never gets a taste of Chinese food so I thought it would be a real treat for her. It was great. She really liked it and the hostess was kind enough to seat us at a table very near the door so my aged mother wouldn't have to walk far. Everyone treated her with respect and kindness so I was very pleased.

It made me think about all the complaints about the younger generation. Some complaints are well-founded, I suppose, but the young people we saw today were respectful and kind and they made my date with my Mom something special. So a big, blog shout-out to the Saturday afternoon staff at P.F. Chang's! Thank you for helping me build a special memory with my Mom.

Happy Mother's Day to you all!

Life's Moments

Life is chock full of moments that stand out for one reason or another. I was just checking up on my friend who has now been moved to a rehabilitation hospital to further his recovery. For the first time, there was a picture on his journal page of him working the parallel bars. Not the kind for gymnastics, the kind that you use when you can't walk on your own and are in physical therapy.

What a mix of emotions ran through my head in that moment. Joy that my friend is "walking" at all. Praise at the way the Lord is working in and through his family & friends during this time of great trial. Sober at the how weak and frail my vibrant, strong friend looked as he concentrated on the next step. Reflective on the many blessings I enjoy, not the least of which is a healthy, strong body.

I believe we are given these moments when time sort stands still so we can hear the voice of God speaking into our spirits. If we will only listen, we will hear that still, small voice encouraging us to move into closer relationship with the One who loves us most. Listen...did you hear that?