Me.

My friend Patti too this photo.

I was blissfully unaware until she posted it on facebook. 

There was a sweet post with it.

Now - why am I adding to this.

It seems almost completely wrong to do this. 

And then I thought --- no, I want to celebrate where I am - remember where I came from - and maybe ponder where I am going. 

So here goes.

I LOVE my work with those kids at my church.

I started teaching Sunday School in 1992 there - some 24 years ago. 

Wow -- so very long.

I have weathered so many storms since then and yet that simple act of preparing a lesson and sitting in that room over and over every week for all this time has given both me and those kids a stable platform for learning to walk with God. 

Although -- way often -- I stray from the best path. Don't we all.

In years past, there was so much activity in the basement of that tiny little church - now, all too often, I feel like I teach a one-room Sunday School for ages 2 - 50. 

But I digress. 

Storms

Big Damaging ones

Tiny little rain showers

A sprinkle or two

Wind

Snow 

Sunshine too hot to bear

All of those are easy to remember

Let's focus on this picture

Me.

Teaching a child to crochet.

There is so much more than it looks like.

Me talking to her and telling her that yes, there are the "tricks" that I use to make it easier for me.

But her way, the way she feels most comfortable is the best way for her. 

Walking through life is like that.

Aim for love, grace, hope, faith.

Aim to follow the promptings of God in the best way He leads us. 

Wrong turns will happen (some last way too long).

But reality is - we have the option through Jesus to turn back right. 

And to try again to live His teachings.

To form a relationship with him. 

And with these smallest moments - when someone you trust tells you that you are doing just fine, and that you don't have to accomplish everything "their way" - in those moments, we as humans can relax a little and fully be ourselves. 

Maybe that's why the very moment I saw this picture I was able to see myself and be gentle with her. 

The moment I saw this picture - I was able to say - wow, she really is beautiful. 

Then I realized - wait, wow, you just said that to yourself. 

In the moment captured below, I really did feel beautiful.

And Charlie ---- you my sweet friend are beautiful too. Don't let anyone in the world ever convince you otherwise.