Lake time can be Exhausting!

Summer time is Lake Time! I love to "invite" myself when I know someone has a boat and needs an extra cruiser to tool around in our lake!   The only requirement for me is that the lake has to be at "bath water" temperature before I will venture to jumping into the lake.  So that means, it's usually July before I see the wide channels of Fort Loudon Lake!

Now I don't know about you, but for me, it's the anticipation of jumping in the water that is exhilarating. I stand on the back of the boat-( is that the bow or the port? I never can remember)- anywho, I'm looking into the water and begin mental conversations with all my committee members!

1. Whoa, I know it's going to be so cold.
2. I hope this top stays down- I hate this swim suit
3. Dang, I wish I had put on my water-proof mascara
4. I better take off my RayBans
5. Now my hair is going to be all messed up and I washed it today
6. I better watch the prop and jump out...no I think I'll jump to the side
7. Don't forget your Red Cross jump
8. Quit being a wimp and just jump
9. OK, OK, I'm going to jump- here goes...

SPLASH!

"Wow, the water is great!"  And I begin to relax and float listening to the sounds of the water.  Just thinking that this is better than a bath and how great it is just to be here leaving my agenda on the boat!

And so it is... with jumping out of the boat-sometimes you just can't be a wimp. You simply have to jump, relax, leave the agenda and committee on the boat ...and be a part of whatever life is bringing!

Grace and love to all-

A first hand Glimpse!

Tonight, I had a glimpse of grace!
How amazing!  Rarely do I open my eyes or (my heart) enough... to recognize or even catch a quick look of grace.  But tonight for whatever reason...I was not blind!
I had gone down to the local tavern to have a glass of wine and socialize.
Friends... known and unknown.  In a tavern, we are all on equal playing ground!  Just trying to connect.

The door opens and we all turned around and in rolls a wheelchair with Jason, a guy that I had a brief conversation with many months ago.  An architect student; a cyclist; an avid connoisseur of great beer; a Starbucks kind of guy; approachable, friendly and thoughtful. But...I really could not remember his name. (You know how bar conversations go.)  I just knew that I liked him.

You see, a month or so ago, Jason had been crushed in a terrible bike accident.  Paralyzed from the waist down. And here he was, looking just like I remembered him... except in a wheelchair. Still with all his creative abilities.  His gifts and talents.  His bright smile.
.
Well...my heart was softened and my eyes opened to see such an amazing miracle in front of me.  God's hand at work in the midst us! I know that plans are in the work for this very courageous man.
Amazing for me to see first hand.

Grace and love to all.