"Oh, beautiful...that sees beyond the years"
We had a WONDERFUL 4th of July weekend. No, we weren't able to make it to Mammoth, (I'm sure you had a great time, family of mine!...and dad, did you seriously get to go snow skiing? So, SO bizarre. Pictures please!) but we were surrounded by friends that made the holiday special. Thanks so much, Allred family, for a delicious Saturday morning pancake breakfast (this is "annual" right, 'cause we may just invite ourselves next year :) ) The rest of the day was play day and we were spoiled by getting to spend the WHOLE day with dad! And imagine that, when we're with dad we play, play, play! In fact, we played so hard I didn't take a single picture. And there were LOTS of perfect picture opportunities!...imagine that...with Ryan...no way! :)
And then there was Sunday. I love to sing patriotic songs with a congregation. It makes me feel mighty yet so small all at the same time. It is humbling. One of the songs we sang was "America the Beautiful." The lyrics never fail to move me, but there has always been one line that stands out in my mind more than others. "Oh, beautiful, for patriot dream that sees beyond the years..." The blessings that I hold most precious today are a product of people... courageous, honorable, unselfish brothers and sisters of ours... that "saw beyond the years," that knew that they would not be the ones reaping the benefits of their sacrifices yet they gave everything anyway. Amazing. Amazing. I'm so grateful...and I'm determined to NOT let that "patriot dream" stop with them. Even though most of the time I'm just trying to squeeze by today, their vision inspires be to try a little harder today FOR tomorrow.
And even though we didn't plan it this way, it was a very fitting 4th of July activity to take a walk through these giant trees. There was a reverence here that was special (minus my kids occasional outbursts as seen below :) ) something also to do with vision I think. The oldest tree in this grove is 1400 years old. To think what this tree has lived to see. Very neat.
And then there was Sunday. I love to sing patriotic songs with a congregation. It makes me feel mighty yet so small all at the same time. It is humbling. One of the songs we sang was "America the Beautiful." The lyrics never fail to move me, but there has always been one line that stands out in my mind more than others. "Oh, beautiful, for patriot dream that sees beyond the years..." The blessings that I hold most precious today are a product of people... courageous, honorable, unselfish brothers and sisters of ours... that "saw beyond the years," that knew that they would not be the ones reaping the benefits of their sacrifices yet they gave everything anyway. Amazing. Amazing. I'm so grateful...and I'm determined to NOT let that "patriot dream" stop with them. Even though most of the time I'm just trying to squeeze by today, their vision inspires be to try a little harder today FOR tomorrow.
And even though we didn't plan it this way, it was a very fitting 4th of July activity to take a walk through these giant trees. There was a reverence here that was special (minus my kids occasional outbursts as seen below :) ) something also to do with vision I think. The oldest tree in this grove is 1400 years old. To think what this tree has lived to see. Very neat.
What a handsome crew! And to think they're mine!
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ps...mom put some pictures on facebook...
"America the Beautiful." "Stern impassioned stress" - I don't even know what that means, and it's moving. On the other hand, "The Star-Spangled Banner" does have rockets...