Just a quick update to let you know that the road trip is still going good. I haven’t had internet access (nor the time to use it if I did!) for a few days. I had some giveaway posts and a guest post that didn’t go up on their own, but I don’t have the time or the energy now to figure out why and re-post them. I’ll try to get to the last week of our trip and those posts soon. I did want to get this little bit posted before we leave Minnesota and head towards South Dakota…
We’ve been in Minnesota since last Tuesday, and the weather has been unseasonably cool. I think there was even a day or two where it was a record low for the high (follow that?). Friday, my last day with my friend Krista, was so chilly and overcast that we didn’t go anywhere or do anything during the day. Just let the kids play. Took naps. Just what I needed as I was feeling very introspective and tired from the traveling. Saturday we joined my old college friend Michelle and her family. The weather was still cool and chilly but it fit the day's activities, plus I was still feeling a bit thoughtful.
Then yesterday, Sunday, arrived, and with it beautiful sunshine. I didn’t realize how ready I was for sunshine again. After a very short run, I was welcomed by Kate and Jack running out to greet me. Their faces shining in the sunlight like I haven’t seen (or maybe just noticed?) in awhile. Michelle and family took us to their church service which was held outdoors at Lake Harriet. It was an amazing setting with sailboats calmly floating across the lake and the music carrying across the lawns. I keep saying that if I could attend church in that setting, I would never miss a Sunday! The first hymn, one I’ve known all my life, seemed to renew my spirit on that sunny Sunday. I actually caught myself choking up a bit.
Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
Joyful, joyful we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love!
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before thee, praising thee, their sun above
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the gloom of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day
All thy works with joy surround thee, earth and heav’n reflect thy rays
Stars and angels sing around thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird, and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in thee
Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our brother, all who live in love are thine;
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine!
