June 13 – “Lots of Littles”

We went to a birthday party yesterday for one of the youngsters at church.  William was four years old.  The party was held at the Galvestonian, one of the condominium buildings out on East Beach, pretty much right on the beach.  We were wondering about how it would fare in a hurricane, and about that time we came across a marker showing how high the water got after Hurricane Ike.  That’s a good benchmark around here for measuring flooding.  Looks like the garage under the building was completely under water, but the building itself was fine.  The amenities were pretty amazing at the condo.  Gym, barbeque pits, a fire pit, a big swimming pool, access to the beach, which is scraped clean of seaweed each morning as needed, private parking, storage units, available bicycles, tennis courts, coffee and pastries every weekend morning.  I guess the list goes on and on.  I’m not a condo kinda guy, but that one seemed pretty nice for someone who is.  Of course there is still the matter of assessments on property owners to pay for all those niceties, as well as for the continual maintenance required of every beach front property.  But I understand that is just one of the “things” that is condo living.  It takes the place of things like having to have your roof replaced or foundation repaired or any other myriad of maintenance issues you face in a single family home. 

It was fun to watch the little guys play around in the swimming pool.  There were lots of littles out there, with their floaties on their arms and around their waist.  The food was amazing.  Hot dogs of several different varieties to go along with the steak-kabobs and chicken-kabobs and salads and fruit of all kinds.  We had to leave before they brought out a birthday cake, but I’m sure if there was one, that it was impressive as well.  All in all it seemed like a good day for young William.  Happy birthday, my little friend.

Luke 6:27-28 says, “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

Father, be with William as he heads into yet another year of life.  Amen.