Heading North

Margo got back late last night from her Tres Dias weekend and her experience was as wonderful as mine. We were both up into the wee hours of the morning sharing stories, comparing surprises, and simply savoring the incredible blessing that we have both experienced. For me, it's not only great to see how Margo connected with the Lord over the weekend, but it's a relief to finally be able to share the details of my own experience without risking ruining the surprises for her.

I'm taking a few days off this week, and I'm ready for the break. Our family got discount tickets to Les Miserables on Broadway, so we're headed north. We're meeting the Stamps family up there tomorrow night, and will grab dinner at a great Italian place down the street for the theater before heading to the show together. Margo and I saw Les Mis in Chicago nearly two decades ago, and that experience still makes me emotional. Every time I listen to the haunting music -- especially Fontaine's "Come to Me" or when the guys break into "Red, the blood of angry men..." I get a bit choked up. Yes, I'm bringing Kleenex with me this time. (Hey, since Tres Dias I have no hesitation about tears...)

Hopefully we'll take a longer route driving home that will take us through the countryside of Pennsylvania. The trees are really looking beautiful in their Autumn coats these days, and I'm eager to revisit that sense of serenity I found in the farmlands around Lancaster last year.

But the best thing about the timing of this trip is the opportunity it gives us to continue relishing the grace and love of God that we've experienced the last couple of weeks. It is so deeply refreshing and satisying, and I don't think I've ever felt so totally loved by the Lord in my life.

Yes, life is good. Life is really good...