Update #70

What do you see when you look at this picture?

And, more importantly, why the heck might I might be posting it this morning? 

No, despite what it may look like, I'm not complaining about the fact that we still have lots and lots of snow.

In fact, I'm actually super grateful that we do still have all this white stuff on the ground.  

Before you roll your eyes, let me explain.

Last night, between 8:30 and 9 PM, a group of friends took it upon themselves to silently circle our house in prayer.

They braved the cold.  They put off putting their kids to bed. They sacrificed their relaxation time in their own homes.

To. Pray. For. Us.

As Chad and I tried to go through the regular bedtime routine with our kids, that was happening outside.

For me, I wrestled with the illogical mixture of feeling embarrassed, guilty, grateful, and joyous all at the same time. 

Because knowing that you are loved in such a sacrificial way is both humbling and awe-inspiring.

And knowing that your God is one who sometimes calls His people to do crazy, sacrificial stuff is both encouraging and challenging. 

But, for our kids…there was nothing but an overwhelming excitement.

They thought this was great and received this gift with nothing but a sense of, "Of course, this was exactly the thing that God would do for us!" 

It was so cool watching them sneak over to the windows and open the curtains or blinds just enough to peer through with one eye.

It was so encouraging to know that God made Himself more evident to them through this act of sacrificial service by our friends. 

And it was so funny to hear Daniel exclaim with building excitement: " Hey…that's Mr. Goble.  With Mrs. Goble!  With Ainsley!  And…wait…is that Gray peeing behind a tree?" 

So, why did I attach this picture of a snow-covered portion of our backyard?

Because that same snow that I've been complaining about and wishing would just go away…that same snow captured the evidence of what occurred here last night:

Footprints.

Mixed in with Mollie Moo's paw prints is the unmistakable path of footprints completely encircling our home.  

Tangible footprints that represent intangible, unseen prayers.

Tangible footprints that represent the radical love the Father has for His children.

Tangible footprints that represent the powerful realities of the unseen world around us. 

And, as soon as I opened the curtains and saw that this morning, I just couldn't wait to take a picture of it. 

To capture it as a testimony to, not just the love of great friends, but to the God who Sees, Who Knows, Who Listens and Who Acts. 

And, now that I have captured this picture, now…the snow may melt.

Until December.

Really, snow, you may melt now.

Bye, bye.

:)

Truly thankful. Truly humbled. Truly blessed.

Kristie