End of the day notes

I don't shut down very well at the end of days jammed packed from end to end. It's like I have to go over the re-play in my head, over and over again. I find myself analyzing the numerous conversations-- things said and not said, things implied-- trying to pick out the most noteworthy. So many relationships and situations collided unexpectedly today, and at the end of it I guess I just feel thankful to be part of a community of people, connected in unexpected ways. I think it will be cool someday to see how the Lord purposefully "weaves" our stories together.

These are random pictures left from the end of last year.

A few thoughts at the end of the day, in no particular order:

• Loving someone means accepting them for who God created them to be. It is not love if we withhold affection, approval, commitment, or whatever until that person becomes who we wish them to be. Love is not manipulative. It is not condemning of differences. In some relationships, differences can make us uncomfortable and we are prone to wishing the other person was more like ourselves. This is pride masquerading as love, and it will eventually drive away the one we wish to love.

• Sometimes God sends us guidance and friendships from unlikely places when we pray for help. I spent some extended time with such a person today; tonight I think back over the year with gratitude for this unlikely friendship. One year ago today my life was about begin a severe shaking, and God was preparing to weave her story to mine. She continues to support me, and prays with me for two precious souls.

• On a lighter note, keeping boys from making "bathroom jokes" is like trying to stop the wind! At least on some days it is. Today, for instance, the rumbling could be heard from the sidelines of the practice field. Something about running and doing drills... Way to get to know the new team. They are all friends now... no holding back.

• Being a pastor's kid is probably not the easiest thing in the world for a kid. I try hard to help my kids see the benefits (there are many), and to protect them from situations and people that would set inappropriate and unfair standards/pressures on them. I remind them that our standard is God's Word, regardless of daddy's work. I also remind them that they are to honor their father, who is also a pastor. I hope to use the frustrations they occasionally feel to reveal areas in our lives (parents and children) that need change and growth. I hope they will look back one day with gratitude for how the Lord used the good and the difficult aspects to shape their character.

• People who attend church don't necessarily know God.

• Boys need to shower more often than they think they do.

• Marriage and parenting are hard. I fail all the time. Today I was reminded once again of how important asking and granting forgiveness is to the survival of any meaningful relationship. With my kids, the last thing I want is for them to view me as a hypocritical, holier-than-thou Christian. I want them to see me as a fellow sinner, desperate for forgiveness and the transformative power of God in my life. I want them to know I must depend on the Lord daily, that I must run to him regularly. I don't want to point my kids to God, then become the stumbling block in their way.

• Tonight I am thankful for my wise, hardworking husband. I'm thankful for his humility, and for the safety I feel because of him.

• The weekend is almost here! Hooray!

~Katherine