Worth the trip

April 26, 2010 - Ft. Polk, KY


The greeting I received from my youngest daughter at the visitor's center when she arrived to escort us onto post - as she clung to me, refusing to break our initial embrace, at least until I'd removed all traces of the cursory from my hug and fully returned it in kind - was worth the trip.

Hannah's squeal of delight from the neighbors' yard as she caught sight of us - she'd evidently awakened in the morning upset that we weren't here already, then watched the clock all day, anxiously waiting for it to say 4-0-0, because that's what time we were supposed to get here - followed by the dripping wet hugs we received because she'd been playing in the water, were worth the trip.

Nic's unsolicited, "Grandpa?  Me love you," - transformed in our separation from an aloof toddler to a doting grandson - as I sat playing the guitar, not especially "for him" at that moment, but just the two of us present to one another in the room, was worth the trip.

Even Emma's running past me to get to Grandma, with whom she has spent so much more time and so recognized much more quickly - though later she was the first one to come over to play the guitar with me - along with the excited way she kept waving to us, was worth the trip.

Big Nic's appreciation - in spite of the extensive dental work he'd had done earlier in the day! - of the City Barbecue we brought with us for them - and the Crown Royal we enjoyed together in the evening, were worth the trip.

Hearing Cassie and Nic share about their marriage retreat, and Fireproof, and on them having The Love Dare (though I don't think either of them has started it yet), and her enthusiasm for The 5 Love Languages and their determination to nurture their relationship together, was worth the trip.

What abundant blessings, all in one evening!  Thank you, God!!