Really nice Sunday, too

The reason we visited family on Saturday rather than Sunday was that we knew three children who were baptized at 10:30 mass, then had a reception to attend for one of them. What a great day. I took advantage of the excuse to sleep in: it was pretty late when we'd gotten home the night before, and I'd done eight hours of driving. Was really surprised to see a friend from Unbound ministry after mass, who it turns out is good friends with the newer family from our choir whose baby boy was baptized. It was nice getting to talk with him and meet his family. Took a nap after we got home, too, then got the grass cut out back. Probably should have done the front again too, but it has only been a few days.

Wonderful Saturday

Got up early for men's group, then headed north to visit my cousin, and my aunt who was visiting him, in Michigan. Hard to believe it has been nearly four years since we saw them. It was a very nice visit. Beautiful weather, so we sat outside for the longest time, and after a while I got the guitar out and played and sang for a while. It was a really nice time.

We met a cousin twice removed who was in utero the last time we saw everyone. What a cutie. Teri played with her at length. Apparently she woke up the next morning and wanted to know where "her friend" was.

It was a four hour drive each way, but it was time well spent. I hope it isn't so long until we see them again.

And I'm loved by You

It's who I am . . . - Good Good Father; Pat Barrett, Anthony Brown

Prayer time in the morning . . .

 . . . is a balm for the soul.

Today's word

duende /doo-EN-day/ - the power to attract through personal magnetism and charm

Appears to traditionally have been used to describe charisma in the performance arts. Recognized its language of origin right away, but had no idea of the etymology within it.

Ouch

Doesn't mean that much to me
To mean that much to you. - Neil Young, Old Man

Pretty nice Father's Day

Although there was one conspicuous absence, I had a pretty good Father's Day, for a change. I don't know what happened to the voice of failure, but I'm not lamenting its absence. I received an especially affirming message from our oldest daughter, whose respect and love bear unmistakable testimony to the power of God's grace and healing. It would have been nice to hear from our youngest daughter, but she blessed me so abundantly on my birthday that it's hard to complain.

So one of my most historically difficult times of year has concluded. I couldn't help thinking of and praying for those I know who struggle with yesterday for some of the same reasons I do, and for completely different ones. Thank you, God, for being a Father who far transcends any failings of our own dads, or our own as dads. You use even those shortcomings and deep wounds to teach us of you, by contrast.  Thank You for your abundant, transforming, healing grace.