Encouragement

Today, during a couple hours where our kids were well cared for, my wife and I stole some time together to share breakfast and talk about the stuff of life, love and our amazing God.  We had the rare opportunity to sit and talk under a beautiful canopy of oak, maple and shagbark hickory trees.  What a time we had!  The sun was high and the light played off the leaves in a beautiful visual symphony.  That didn't last long, though. The sitting, I mean. 

     Limburger cheese, spoiled milk, your baby's diapers, garbage cans, yuck!  Some things just stink!  Isn't it amazing how certain smells can evoke such a strong response?  At the same time, certain scents can trigger memories or even bring certain emotions.  Smells are a part of life.  When was the last time you smelled something legitimately new?  You know, NEW, as in: I never knew this smell existed!  And when was the last time you caught a whiff of something that was new and good?  If you're like me, it doesn't happ

     Ever had that moment where you think everything is about to come unglued?  It's that moment where you're seeing something and your heartrate goes through the roof, a bead of sweat meanders down your brow and your senses get hightened as you anticipate watching something go horribly wrong?  I had that moment this Sunday.