last night

was not my best night.  In fact, upon reflection, I feel I looked a little like Carrie in the Exorcist ... not that I would ever have watched a movie like that, but I have heard about her character.  My swollen and red eyes are proof that I was emotionally disturbed and did not get the proper amount of sleep.  My head is throbbing and I am less than enthusiastic about being a homeschool, stay-at-home mom, with kids around all day instead of being able to send them skipping to some other institution so I can go back to my bed.

but then ...

I went into the bathroom to survey the facial damage and saw a gift that had been given to Neal and me some years ago, by a couple who are just plain "there".  Not there as in Carrie, but there meaning they can take it from us and they still offer unconditional love (and a kick in the pants when needed).  I could go on and on about them, but the point I am trying to make concerns the gift ... a daily verse flip pad of Max Lucado musings.  Here is today's:

We are covered by the Lamb, hidden in Christ.  When God looks at you, he doesn't see you; he sees Jesus.  And how does he respond when he sees Jesus?  He rends the heavens and vibrates the earth with the shout, "You are my Son, whom I love, and I am very pleased with you"  (Mark 1:11)

amazing.

Happy Birthday, Roger ... wish I could be there on Sunday.  Do you really know just how much you two mean to us?  I only pray I can someday be half of what you have been to Neal and me.

and Neal?  I am sorry.  Please forgive me.

I am working on it.