First Friday::October 2009::"We're not here for the_________"

"We're not here for the food." I reminded my friend as we surveyed the menu board on the wall. It wasn't that the cafe's offerings were bad, it's just that we would have chosen a different restaurant if we had been expecting finer cuisine. We weren't there for the food. "It's true for most things, don't you think?" She responded. It should be. We're not here - I'm not here - right here, in this place, at this time - for the what? The money? The praise of men? Material prosperity? Future retirement? Life of ease? Perfect health? Personal satisfaction? Me?

Have I not been chosen for more?

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. I Peter 2:9 (emphasis mine)

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31 "After every time of exaltation, we are brought down with a sudden rush into things as they really are, where it is neither beautiful, poetic, nor thrilling. The height of the mountaintop is measured by the dismal drudgery of the valley, but it is in the valley that we have to live for the glory of God." O. Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest, October 2

First Friday::September 2009...

I'm quite aware that today is Tuesday.

Friday was the beginning of four energetic days...of precious as gold time and lively conversation with loved ones...of little boys and all their toys, of diaper changing and baby rocking...

of Gator football and Yankee baseball...

...of perfectly grilled steaks, juicy hamburgers and marinated chicken. Baked sweet potatoes with generous spoonfuls of cinnamon and brown sugar. Jessi's chile con queso, Louis' fluffy pancakes, Emily's oatmeal chocolate-chip cookies, my (award-winning) orange-blueberry bread and store-bought ice-cream. Our little house was bulging with life, laughter and occasional tears. It was loud and chaotic and exhausting - and I loved every minute.

Hours before the delightful distraction of rambunctious little boys and sweet baby love, I soaked my feet in the dewy wet morning - inspired to create a "First Friday" photo challenge that I hope to remember to keep. I'm better these days at making memories than keeping them.

I'd rather have noisy grandchildren under my feet and baby drool on my t-shirt, than a quiet house to collect my thoughts and craft meaningful prose....which explains why my "First Friday" post is going up on a Tuesday.

As for man, his days are like grass;he flourishes like a flower of the field;for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,and its place knows it no more.But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenantand remember to do his commandments.The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,and his kingdom rules over all. Psalm 103:15-19