The Banner

The day of travel had been grueling. Sickness, delays, tired children, and lost luggage all added up to exhaustion. I'm not one to wish my days away, but this one could not end too soon.

My very own husband, her bestest Dad, and their wonderful Papa met us at the Ottawa airport. He had already gathered up our luggage from baggage claim before we crossed the threshold. Gladly he scooped up a three year old who ran full speed into his waiting arms. "Ah -- my rescuer is here. Everything will be okay!" I breathed a sigh of relief as tears stung my weary eyes.

The final leg of our journey was not short, but it was a respite from long lines and tired airline personnel faces. Rick filled us in on happenings at home and listened to our saga. I rested with eyes closed, trying to reclaim a sense of well-being. My tummy did not cooperate, nor did my head, but at least I was in my honey's care now.

At last we crossed the bridge into St. Lawrence county; little Jameson began taking inventory. Somehow, at the age of three, he is keenly aware that his life is drastically changing. Acute observations were made. He noted, "Mom, where are all the houses?" "MOM! MOM! There's a railroad!" "Where is the farm? I see a broken house." Upon seeing a huge barn with lights fully lit he was told it was full of cows. "Oh... where are the tows?" His little mind busily assimilated these sights as though it were for the first time.

Soon we were in familiar territory, and upon passing a little yellow house we heard, "Gabriel lives there!"

As we pulled up to 1942 there was no place to park. We settled for a standing place, knowing the borrowed van would soon be returned anyway. Inside I noted rushing movement from the family room. "They are all there getting ready for us!"

We collected two boys and a handful of bags. From the porch could be heard giggles and last minute instructions. At last the red door swung open, revealing a familiar and brightly lit hallway. At the end was strung a festive multi-colored banner declaring HURRAY! THEY'RE HERE TO STAY! Cheery faces smiled as the gathered crowd called out in loud unison, "Welcome home Danica, Jameson, and William!"

The Sinclair family knows how to celebrate. And 1942ers do, too!

Ah. We were home at last. HOME TO STAY!

Chapters

Tapestry Church has been home for my daughter's family for the past 13 months. I'm just meeting these folks. The pastor is a wonderful man who speaks of God's kingdom with passion and genuine care. He lives for God's Word, teaches His love, and challenges his flock to do the same. Does it get any better? I look forward to eternity when time and space no longer will separate us from such wonderful saints; we will with one voice and in one place bring worship to His throne. Oh, Glorious Day!

I have met numerous friends who hope to make the trip to NNY one day. I smile knowingly, but deep inside I always hope that they will come. I love these new folks and want to share more of life with them. Please let them come, dear Lord!

The boys are resting, Mama is closing her eyes and laying her head on one of the few remaining pillows, Ry Guy and I are online. Soon we will stir ourselves up and head to the remaining bastion of overwhelming stuff -- the garage! It is cold and damp. Far from ideal weather for outdoor packing, but one does these things when pushed to it!

Tomorrow the packers arrive, we clean the house thoroughly, then two ladies and two boys will tuck ourselves into bed at a hotel. A shuttle will carry us to the airport at 4:30 a.m. the next morning. By 5:00p.m we are scheduled to be arriving in Ottawa. Hurray!

I love a good novel. Chapters end, often with loose ends undone, beckoning your continued reading. When stories are still unfolding that is only natural. So today a chapter closed; some good-byes lingered, some were left unsaid but understood, all included open-ended invites. Only time will reveal the story's final ending.

Good authors keep you eager until the last sentence's conclusion. Our God does so much more -- His story lasts forever.

So Far

So far
:: had baked blueberry french toast. Yum!
:: strolled some shops in downtown Menlo Park.
:: held the hand of a grandson who adores me.
:: met a Godly woman who serves the Kingdom by her husband's side.
:: discovered some inexpensive treasures (is that an oxymoron?) in a consignment shop and purchased them!
:: encouraged some young women in the ministry of home and hospitality.
:: ate too many M&M's!
:: viewed dozens of photos revealing Gustavian delights and vintage modern decor.
:: discussed homeschooling theories and practices with a young mom who is "stuck" in her homeschool routine (been there...)
:: spent a restless night in sorrow of heart praying for parents who are failing in health and soul but refuse His help ("Hear my cry, Oh God, attend to my prayer. From the ends of the earth will I cry to You.")
:: am starting a new day with a little man in my bed next to me as I write these thoughts to all of you.
:: packing? None yet! ;)
:: missing my lovies at home. Alot.
:: expectant of another wonderful day in His care!

Flexibility

Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds was scheduled to arrive tomorrow just before noontime. Lunch out, a visit at Crane with a favorite professor, then a return to the homestead with a houseful of family, food, and music have all been crossed off our calendar.

Old Man Winter flexed his muscles, causing airlines to cancel flights which promised to deliver this very special man to Northern NY. No alternatives were found which would get him "in and out" quickly and efficiently. (He has a tight schedule with commitments hemming him in on the other side.)

So Old Man Winter flexes, and we learn flexibility. Some days I'm eager for school, some days I'm not. Busy schedules will allow a trip to be planned for April, but no sooner.

*sigh* I love winter and it's unpredictability -- usually...

Ecc. 3 Continued

A time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away. Ecc. 3:6 NASB

My experience has been this: throwing away is generally not pleasant.

Don't get me wrong. I'm a "get rid of" gal from way back. I often enjoy sorting and throwing. I read Anne Ortlund's book, Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman, quite some time ago and was encouraged to "eliminate and concentrate". I've never looked back.

For instance -- one of my all time favorite birthday gifts was a box of clear plastic garbage bags and the guarantee that the following Saturday a dump truck would arrive at my house to collect all the garbage I could muster. I attacked, with vigor, attics and barns and closets. Several trips to the dump with nearly 2,000 lbs. of "excess stuff" made me one ecstatic woman!

Still, throwing out calls for ruthlessness. It is not accomplished without some agonizing. After all, the disposal of items rarely makes everyone happy. If it wasn't me wrestling with parting ways with something, someone else was. Stuff. It can claim our hearts.

So can relationships. Yup, relationships. Sometimes we need to let go of certain people and friendships. We have limited time and energy which means careful use of such commodities. Some our "people investment" may not be yielding Kingdom fruit. We need to be fruit inspectors, even in our relationships. Agonizing, isn't it?

A fresh challenge to review belongings and investments is always good. If I am honest about it all, I find out quickly that it is hard. Nonetheless, it is good. Am I attached to this thing, this relationship? If Jesus asked me to walk away today, would I do so? Can I leave it all behind: parents, houses, family, stuff?

Nothing has claim on my heart like He does. The rest is secondary. He is my all in all. Now to live like it.