Spring Family Vacation

It's hard to believe it has come and gone.  I had been praying for this vacation since we planned it back in February.  I asked the Lord to give us favorable weather since going to Minnesota in early May seemed a bit risky.  I asked the Lord to give those flying a smooth path there and on their way home.  I asked the Lord to give health so that no illness would hinder plans, to give sweet memories that would last a lifetime, and to strengthen the bond of love that knit our families as one.

God answered all my petitions and more in a most beautiful and wondrous gift.  My heart had been longing for at least six months or more what I knew would only be satisfied if most of us could all be in one place at one time for a few days.  To wake up in the mornings and share a cup of tea.  To experience the dynamics of our varying personalities again.   To share the struggles of our hearts across the table rather than over the phone.  To laugh together, to sing together, to pray together, to worship our God together.

It all happened - and more.  I stand in awe with gratitude.  The last year has been one of grieving and adjusting.  What God gave me last week was a healing balm to the pain I've carried inside all these months.

The pictures that follow are a memorial of God's goodness.  They don't do justice to the striking beauty that was all around us.  It seemed that as we drove in, Duluth woke up to the fact that it was spring, and nature burst forth in all her glory!  I tried my best to capture it and the sheer joy on our faces as we marveled at God's creation and cherished the days together.

Like I said - memories that will last a lifetime.