It is just past midnight, Monday. The wee early hours of our 2nd wedding anniversary. I am going to attempt to untangle the cobwebs in my brain so I can go to sleep. I hope the night time Nyquil kicks in soon. I feel like there is an elephant sitting on my chest. Thankfully, typing doesn't require vocal chords. Mine are on strike.
In my fog of sleepiness that won't give way to sleep, I know this: God is good, and He gives good gifts to His children. At this two year celebration of my married life and post-college life, it is overwhelming to think how blessed I am and how often I take for granted the Giver and the gifts. In the next year, I pray I become a more demonstratively grateful person with actions that show my gratefulness. I wonder, is thankfulness without outward manifestation really thankfulness? Perhaps not. I have a ways to go.
PHC's graduation was Saturday. We attended the prelim Hyde parties; a chili-cookoff in which Stephen participated bringing his delicious creation -Brunswick Southern Chili- and the BBQ on Friday night. We arrived at the chili cookoff about a half hour before anyone else. Given another time that might have been frustrating, but we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity be outside in such a beautiful setting (see pictures). At the BBQ, the weather was quite nippy, so I sought warmth indoors and ended up spending the majority of my evening talking with a dear older woman named Virginia who grew up in the area. She was refreshing and wise, and I had a wonderful time conversing with her. Life sure is different with a kiddo. We left both parties around 9pm (an hour past Nora's bedtime!). You have a different perspective on life, and experiences you wouldn't have otherwise. For instance, at the Hydes, (and those of you who have been to these parties know how remarkable this is) we moved around the kitchen and dining room freely for the first time ever.
Graduation day dampened my spirits some, but maybe that was just because my cold was in full-swing as we approached campus. Stephen kindly took me home soon after the ceremony. I know we both missed good conversations and the catching up with dear friends that occurs at such gatherings. I, too, left feeling the future of PHC was bleak (or at least reconciliation attempts). That is probably the Nyquil talking, but I do feel sad at the current state of affairs. God said the world will know us by our love. Where is that? Why must there be a right side and a wrong side? I know I'll look back, and I'll see that God has used all these things for His glory and our good. He always does. As one graduate that day reminded us all, God glorifies Himself, and we must seek to be an active participant in His kingdom, God-glorifying work.
