October 3 – “A Family Day”

Yesterday we went to Zak's soccer game.  Christi said the rumor mill had the parents worried about the other team. Their coach was known to have the top team in the league every year.  She played soccer her whole life and her Dad was even the college soccer coach at Baylor.  Their teams always do calisthenics and practice with "real" drills.  Scary stuff for four year olds.  And one of them was obviously particularly athletic.  But Zak's team was great.  At one point a kid on the other team scored a goal for them.  But they added three more on their own and won the game 4 to 1.  Best part about it was watching the guys like Zak who had no idea what the score was and really didn't care.  They were, however, quite interested in the helicopter that passed by and the little brothers who streaked onto the field at regular intervals.  They knew how to have some real fun.  After the game we went out to eat with some old friends.  It was good to have someone else get into trouble for clowning around with the waitress.   Then we spent the afternoon helping fix up the house.  We trimmed bushes in the front.  We planted some flowers.  Chris and Christi cleaned out the garage.  I went with Josh to get replacement trim boards for a window in the back.  Chris helped Zak and Caleb and Christi move furniture around inside.  We did all those wonderful things that make vacation fun as long as the work is not something you have to do.  And of course we spent some time just playing.  Horsing around with the boys.  Hiding in the Batcave with Zak, which of course was located under the table with blankets draped over the sides.  Catching Caleb when he jumped, which was any time, any where.  He is supremely trusting, so we had to pay close attention.   My allergies are acting up and my knees and ankles hurt a lot.  Combined with my extremely sore calf muscles from walking around in mountains, it made for a difficult day.  And Josh actually asked us if we were relaxed yet.  I'm beginning to wonder if I'll recognize the feeling.   Today we go to church.  Look forward to seeing some more old friends.  Tomorrow?  Weatherford?  Palo Pinto?  Waco?  Stay put?  We'll see.   In John 10:9-10 Jesus says, "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.  He will come in and go out, and find pasture.  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."   Father, you are the Awesome One.  Thanks for the hugs from Zak and Caleb.  It's through those grandkid hugs that I can feel the Father hugs you like to give.  Amen.