Girls, Girls, Girls

Yep. My Chris had two extra girls to put up with ... I mean, to have the pleasure of being around this past week.

Prince among Men

Man of the Year

Man for all Seasons

a man having the Patience of Job

... any title you would like to bestow upon my Chris would fit. He put up with 4 Elledge females, plus the addition of two Bader girls, one bathroom and lots of hormones!

Bader girls, Sydney and Cecily, arrived on Wednesday evening. Having met them over 14 years ago, when they were respectively 2 and 4, at 15 and 17 they have changed a bit from our first introduction. They are taller, can tie their shoes, laugh at my jokes, clean and dress themselves and many other tasks befitting their age. In a word, they are simply lovely.

I wrote their mamma, Sheila, an email professing my deep and new found affection for these young women of hers. As I confessed my admiration, I kept thinking that it "seemed just like yesterday" these young women were being put in time out and being taught to share their toys. Now, one crosses that border into adulthood by heading to college, far away from her home in the state of Washington into God's country, OU. A new chapter, a new adult chapter, in her life is getting ready to unfold. The other begins her Junior year in high school as President of the Student Body, leading others to be young, responsible leaders for the future. "Where did the time go" ... I say, scratching my head.

Chasing time is like chasing the wind. You see it, you feel it, and you just can’t catch it. Profound, hugh?

All the while I'm reflecting over these young women and their place in the world, I'm reading through Ezekiel right now. If you are prone to bouts of depression, don't read Ezekiel. It's not pretty. However, Ezekiel is being sent to rebellious Israel as a messenger: get it together or pay the consequences. It seems a lot of his message is pointed to the religious, the "good", those in charge. Quit playing games, quit giving your heart to idols, turn your whole heart to God ... the great I AM. He doesn't mince words.

Just doing a bit of reflecting about my role as one on the way out someday ... and what I have to leave the next generation like these sweet Bader girls. I fear my generation may be guilty of those Ezekiel came to scold. Church is not a place you go to on Sunday, it's the body of Christ ... that should be lived out on a daily basis expressing the hope and life and love of Jesus. What I give myself to wholeheartedly will be revealed by my actions. What I believe in my heart will be expressed in my attitude toward others, toward God.

Still reading ... still learning ... and still giggling over our pictures from the Bader girls. Life is sweet.

Christina