November 7 – “He’s smoking”

What a great morning.  We went out in the back yard and sat in the porch swing.  The temperature was in the high 60's and a light breeze was blowing.  The sun was so bright we had to rearrange the extra chairs to be able to even look at each other.  The leaves on the trees were changing or were already falling to the lawn.  Josh paid a neighborhood kid to rake their front yard.  This whole seasons thing is certainly a nice change from "rainy" and "dry."   Zakary and I were playing this morning when Josh walked through and went outside.  I turned to Zak and asked, "What is Daddy doing out there?"  Without batting an eye he replied, "He's smoking."  I know I did a double-take on that one, so I asked again, "What is he doing?"  Again, he replied, "He's smoking.  That's what Daddy does when he goes out there."  I followed him over to the window.  He innocently pointed and said, "See."  I moved around to follow the direction of his finger, and finally I saw it.  He was pointing directly at … the barbeque pit.  That's where Daddy makes smoke come out."  Well, of course.  What did you think?   Christi's family got into town this afternoon.  Her Mom and Dad, Grandmother and Grandfather, and brother and sister-in-law all came in for a special family edition of the baby dedication to be held tomorrow morning.  Josh cooked burgers and hot dogs, and there were at least three desserts.  After we ate, Josh gathered everyone together and led us in a brief ceremony dedicating Caleb and asking us as his family to be actively involved in bringing him up under God's ways.  They put together a time capsule for him that had some blessings from his grandfathers and parents, as well as some things that symbolized his life so far – a toy motorcycle from Zakary, a strength tool from Josh, and a music CD from Christi.  We'll finish the festivities at church tomorrow.   Matthew  21:16 says, 16 "Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, "'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise'?"   Father, draw our little guys to yourself as they get older.  Amen.