the moments

People and words and moments surprise me. Sometimes, it's all just too much. Sometimes, my heart gets so full. Sometimes, I am literally overwhelmed to overflowing. And by sometimes, I absolutely mean this summer. This summer has been positively fascinating. Captivating. Overwhelming. Not the summer as a whole...just the moments.

Friends crowded around a table and a homemade strawberry cake cascaded into the heart of a very blessed 40 year old. Teenagers laughed and shared stories of a lifetime. Families played and prayed and shared their love with a neighborhood. Kids worshipped with freedom while a guy played his guitar. A little girl celebrated her 2nd birthday. A new servant took his well-appointed place. A friendship was renewed and an unlikely one began. And a group of girls realized the presence of God like never before.

A simple international phone conversation ended in a nervous heart being reassured. H1N1 came out of nowhere but was unsuccessful in its attempt to destroy a plan already set into motion by God Himself. Inappropriate words aimed at a heart were turned around and used to teach a valuable lesson. A young choir raised both their voices and their hands in an outpouring of love for their God. A tent collapsed and kids displayed confidence and spunk while our Father touched the hearts of all involved. And on a unexpected day, rain poured straight from the heart of God and 3 young girls came to know Him right on the spot.

I remember standing in a circle trying desperately to speak the words of my prayer. I remember being surrounded by 5th & 6th graders who had only moments before made promises to me, to each other & to God Himself. I remember looking into the sweet face of the girl right across from me as the tears poured down her cheeks. And in that very moment, I knew. I am blessed. Blessed beyond reason.