really? do we really get to witness life change week in and week out? before, it was just stories... names. on a screen. in a bulletin. spoken as examples. now they walk among us as friends, communing, interacting, challenging, reminding. what a God. and what people that love their God -- and full circle -- that love the people that their God loves.
last saturday, we got to do "run for cover" for the samaritan inn, which has special meaning for us since we volunteered here with our youth kids in our dating days. :) and sprint hard we did -- y placed 1st in age group for the 5k (and then played an ultimate tourney thereafter -- craziness!) and g came in 1st overall female for the 10k. it was one of the more difficult courses: short, steep hills; sharp turns; humidity; WIND. but we plodded through. we love running for a cause but deeper, seeing it as such a close metaphor to the race of life -- keep on keeping on for the prize! it looks like running is gaining lots of popularity around here. races plentiful... anyway, some inspiration.
and one more. g got to see a pre-release screening and thought it was uplifting and well done. lots of familiar scenes from kauai as well. :)
hard to believe but in the span of about a quarter of a year, both of us celebrated 5-year anniversaries at work. (he got all of a few star stickers on his badge ring and she, a surprising tiffany necklace - yet to be worn) ... and then both of us resigned shortly after our milestones! :P keeping busy enough but also taking a leap of faith, g has been full-time for dptree for the past few months. (best decision ever!) y recently accepted an opportunity (that found him when he wasn't looking -- sound familiar? haha) for yet another telecom co. - the survived cisco - but oddly, this time, NOT to do telecom.
overwhelmed by His favor but all the more mindful that these are not the things we seek or live for or find our hope in.
in the end, who will write your name? can't get enough of that video (by y's friend & men's summit sg bro, jonathan c). and now the song, too -- "this little light of mine" by addison road. when it's over over OVER, He'll be there. and... who else? and what account shall we give for the things that matter for all time? continually praying for that eternal perspective to be so infiltrated and soaked in our hearts (though always prone to wander!). cannot thank Him enough for a body of brothers and sisters that reminds us often so vulnerably and unabashedly but with such gentleness and love.
"May you live each day
With no regret
Make the most of every chance you get
And your eyes get wide
When you look at the stars
With the same sense of wonder as a child's heart
...
One day there will be no more pain
And we will finally see Jesus' face
So until then I'm gonna try
To brave the dark
And let my little light shine"
Japan + affected areas/regions, we pray for you.
