Nehemiah 4:14 Reflecting on Monday (Part One)

Yesterday, the Daigles ignored all of our earthly responsibilities and went to the Houston Zoo.

We didn't plan on doing so, but instead awoke, ate, packed lunches and dropped the three big guys off to school. That is our usual start to a Monday. Once we delivered the big ones to school, Larry, Caleb and I went to a hole-in-the-wall for a late breakfast. (This is actually part of our regular Monday morning...grin!)

Where we diverted from the norm came on the way back to the house. We had run a quick errand and were commenting on the gorgeous day. "It's a zoo kinda day." Those were the words that Larry said as he looked out the windshield at the road taking us back to the house. "Yup." That was the word I said as I looked out at that same road.

We pulled into the drive way a few minutes later and Larry instructed me to pack a picnic. We were indeed going to make the most of this "Zoo Kinda Day".

The big guys were only at school for an hour and forty-five minutes.

As we made our way to the Houston Zoo, we took the most logical route, I-45. As we began to make our way south, I began to tweet our local paper.

What's going on at the Wilson Rd bridge over 45? Is it a protest?

A few moments later:

Same thing at the 1488 bridge.

After continuing down the interstate, we began to see that the north bound entrance ramps were blocked by police and state troopers, who were standing outside of their squad cars with their hands behind their back. As we went on, the empty north bound lanes were lined with firetrucks, ambulances, county vehicles, state vehicles and so on. Each parked at an angle with their respective drivers and crews standing with their hands behind their backs. A few were chatting, but there was obviously something big going on.

It must a funeral procession of a member of military or civil servant. 45 is lined with officers. It is a beautiful tribute.

We didn't get to see the procession pass. I had tears in my eyes though. I knew that someone deserving a great deal of honor and respect would be brought up that freeway at any moment. I was so proud of our city and county for the lengths they went to in order to pay respect and to uplift the family of this great person.

A little later, I received a reply from the local newspaper's Twitter account.

it's in honor of Willis Marine Cpl. Joseph Logan

At the zoo, with my four sons, I thought of the loss I would feel if it were one of them. What it I were following behind a hearse, carrying my precious son, and passing the miles of flags, spinning lights, respectful supporters? Never have I been so touched by what a community can do out of respect.

We are praying for the Logan family and we are so grateful that he was willing to fight for us.

I'm also thankful that his family got to bring him home on a beautiful "Zoo Kinda Day" and I pray that God will comfort them with the memories of those kind of days from his childhood as they continue to grieve their extremely great loss.
The Conroe Courier's article can be read here.

This is the day - Psalm 118:24

Happy New Year!

This morning, I mustered all of my will power and emerged from beneath the warm, heavy down comforter. We woke up to the first freeze of the year. Praise God, we woke up! (Isaiah 50:4)

As Larry and I were getting dressed, the family's smallest set of feet came padding down the hall. Caleb walked into the bedroom, eyes squinting at the light and smiling from ear to ear. "Hi, Daddy. Hey, Momma." He went straight to my side of the bed and snuggled into my pillow, all the while smiling.

Next came Gideon. Same squinting eyes and same broad smile. He went straight to Larry's side of the bed and crawled in.

Joseph and Jeremiah were still sleeping. I love waking up my babies. There is nothing more precious than rubbing those skinny backs and watching those eyebrows furrow. I love those first big, deep breaths and those first long stretches. I just love those boys with all that I have and all that I am.

I sang "This is the day, this is the day, that the LORD has made, that the LORD has made...." It bugs the fire out of them. But, they have Psalm 118:24 memorized. They will never forget it.

I'm so glad we all woke up this morning. It's a tiny, little detail. Minutia, really. But, had that one trivial bit of the day been different, there would be all manner of chaos in our home. I shudder to think of it.

God chose to wake me up today. He chose to give us this day of life. Not only that, but He did it on purpose. He did it so that we could learn something, so that we could do something. Not so that we could just go to work, do the laundry or complete assignments at school. He wants us to grow closer to Him and to bring others closer to Him. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.

I am sure that He loves to wake us up. I imagine that He loves those first big, deep breaths and those first long stretches. He loves us with all that He is, with all the I Am.