I'm Thankful the Redbox Was Broken...

Because--
It meant we took a long bike ride.
Me and my little #3, riding to the nearest other Redbox to turn in our movies. 
I gave him the choice...of either walking back and driving...or taking our bikes and--
He chose his pedals.
And I'm so glad.

On the way there we heard a herd of birds--
chirping and chattering and paused to see the cause.
A regal hawk--so still and silent--landed nearby.
The mama and daddy birds frantically squawked at the hawk...as their six fluffy young ones made feeble fluttering attempts. 

Because we were riding...
Pausing--
Not in a hurry,
We stayed until the hawk flew far away and we were free to leave--
With hope.

We ate a lot of bugs together. 
They were out in swarms along the bike path.
We decided that next time we'd wear goggles.
And keep our mouths shut.
And I smile at the thought of me in goggles on my bike.
But--it makes sense--to keep the bugs out--
Plus, I'd wear pretty much anything for that little guy.
And he thought it was a good idea.

We passed an interesting crowd.
Interesting.
On our bikes--we passed them.
I waited for my favorite seven year old to ask if "she was a woman of the night".
He's been using that phrase recently.
Quite often.
We're still not sure where he heard it or what he thinks it means.
Probably means we need to take another long bike ride soon.

But he still yelled at them.
Yelled as we passed by:

Hi !!!
Hey--hi !!! 

Bike weaving, hand waving, smile wide...
(In hopes of making a connection).

Connection.
Relationship.
Time spent.
Oh--how thankful I am that the first Redbox was broken.


And I'm thankful for so much more on this beautiful Monday morning...

~ Elmo birthdays for 2-year-olds ~ 

~ reasons to SLOW DOWN ~

~ summer fun chaos ~

~ sisters and Popsicles ~

~ neighbor friends with costumes ~

~ bubbles and shields ~

~ Husbands who like rock tumblers ~

(you don't want to miss the excitement of this video)

~ slides and party dresses ~

~ chess games with family ~

~ "guns and coffee" ~

~ grandpas who take walks ~

~ grandmas who like scooters ~

~ German birthday dinners with friends ~

~ stories at bedtime ~

~new fairy tale books ~

~dogs who love to cuddle ~

~ big boxes of fireworks ~

~ backyards for sparklers ~

~ smiles and pajamas ~

~ Legos with dad ~

~ repurposed parts ~

~ football and friendship ~

And in all good gifts...

May the God of hope

fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

so that by the power of the Holy Spirit

you may abound in hope.

~Romans 15: 13

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