1:30AM

Tonight, as I entered the welcoming caress of our bed after staying up too late, unable to put down Jason Vallotton's "Supernatural Power of Forgiveness," the warmth of your body next to mine and the sound of the air conditioning vent overhead brought back a rush of memories. Suddenly, I was taken back in time...a time when life was simply, simple. As I closed my eyes, I could hear the click of the heater and I could smell the strangely comforting fragrance of dust being burned off the coils...you know, like the first time you run your heater after a long summer. It is the aroma that I associate with the welcoming of winter. The reassurance of a cozy, warm refuge and the knowledge that Christmas is right around the corner with its tinsel, lights, and beauty; it all speaks, 'life is good and your family is blessed. There IS joy in the midst of a crazy world.' I remember those nights, after tucking our two little children into bed (and I loved the way you sang to them every night), you and I would retreat to our own private refuge, which by morning, would be invaded by a dog, a cat and two children whose sweet faces would welcome us when we awakened.

Tonight, I lie here, wanting to wake you up and share these joyful memories with you, but I know how exhausted you were just an hour ago, so I choose to simply relish in the moment. I thought, "I'll write him an email about it before I forget," but I did not want to disturb your sleep with my movement. So I write this upon waking up, and I decide to post it on my blog as a permanent record of God's reminder to me of a life that was simple...a reminder that treasures of the past can be found again. As we embark on this adventure of starting a business that may consume our time and attention for months to come, I realize that God is saying, "All is well. There is safety and I am your refuge. And Christmas is right around the corner. Enjoy life." So, whatever lies ahead, we can rest in simplicity in the middle of complexity, and we can live in serendipity regardless of moments that did not go as planned...because God is still God...and I know He still loves us. :)