The Porch Swing

Your love is extravagant
Your friendship, it is intimate
I feel I'm moving to the rhythm of Your grace
Your fragrance is intoxicating in the secret place
Cause Your love is extravagant

Spread wide in the arms of Christ there's a love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known; You considered me a friend
Capture my heart again. ~Casting Crowns

Yesterday was a beautiful day. Honestly, one of the best Mother's Days in a long time. The rainclouds that usually threaten to steal the joy of the day were gone. I felt God's Presence in abundance; I know where my son is and that he's happy, I'm finally able to think of my mom who's in Heaven and smile at her memory, my girls are thriving, and my husband is still the love of my life. All that AND a giant Symphony bar? Who could ask for more?

Our only son will be 26 this month and is finally settling down. Which equals a home, marriage and a new baby for him; for me, a sense of peace in knowing he's put down roots, a new daughter-in-law, and my first grandbaby.

Our oldest daughter, 17 years old-but-think-of-me-as-18-cause-in-my-heart-I-am, is excitedly gathering things she needs for her mission trip to Africa at the end of the month. Her daddy and I encouraged her to follow her heart as the Holy Spirit leads her into her life, but I didn't think that would mean to the other side of the world! I was thinking more along the lines of the church's food pantry on the other side of town!

Our youngest daughter, 13, better known as "can-we-turn-my-sister's-room-into-a-ballet-studio-when-she-leaves-for-college", is blooming into the most beautiful young woman. She has such an amazing heart. Every day I see God's Hand moving in her life and can't wait to see who she becomes. Maybe she'll be the one to work in the church's food pantry on the other side of town?

Father, Your love is, indeed, extravagant.