Tucson

Dave's company flew us to Tucson this past weekend for year-end meetings, and we had a wonderful time. Never mind that it rained quite a bit, because honestly, the weather was so much better than at home, where an ice storm kept my parents trapped inside with the boys for 4 days. I was sorry to see that we had only taken 3 pictures while we were there, especially since I would have loved to get a picture of Dave's cousin Steve and his wife Diane and son Curtis, and one of our sweet friends Marc and Joanna and their son Michael too, who so graciously hosted dinner for all of us (and carted me around town too. Thanks, Joanna!).

We stayed here (the website has much better photos than I took).

The foggy foothills, right behind the resort, the morning we headed home.


Dave was in meetings quite a bit of the time, and because of the rain, I holed up in my hotel room and enjoyed the solitude. It always takes me a little while to adjust to the quiet when we get away without the boys. And this was really quiet - no little men asking for snacks or sippy cups, no phone calls (well, almost none!), no cartoons on tv, and no laundry buzzer calling my name. Just me and the Lord and a lot of quietness.

And it was really, really good.

I spent a lot of time meditating on 1 Peter 3-5, and these verses from chapter 3 really struck me,

"But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'

Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to who belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."

So simply put, so straightforward, and yet, they sum up what much of my walk with the Lord is all about...a sure hope, a serious perspective, and service to the One who deserves all the glory and supplies all the ability. I want to keep this focus in the day to day, when the rubber meets the road (or the cheerios meet the carpet!), to see this life for what it is: a chance to live for the Lord, for my life to be a testimony to His great wealth of grace poured out on a wretched sinner.

Our view from our door, a tiny waterfall in the hills:


Looking at the back of the resort:



The trip was filled with wonderful treats, amazing food, great company, a heavenly bed, relatives and friends, but the chance to spend time alone with my husband and my Lord, well, that was the best part of it all. He is good to give us these moments of rest, always faithful to refresh our spirit when we need it the most.