It’s hour nineteen in the mini-van on the second day of vacation. Our legs ache and we’re giddy, singing silly songs when we round the familiar corner in Eganville, Ontario, just thirty minutes away from our final destination, the family cottage. A black sign on wheels at the edge of an empty lot congratulates Melissa Bishop, 2012 Olympic Runner, in white magnetic letters.
For a moment, the car breathes silent because this town is a blink on the road and we feel it. The way Melissa, she carries hope for all of them to London.
A few days later I take a morning walk on a road that looks like a miniature model of the Great Lakes after a rainstorm. An unfamiliar turn to get a closer look at a seaplane parked on the lake leads to a rock of etched words that distract me.
This little strip of public beach at the end of the road where I stand is a park dedicated to Sheryl Boyle, 1996 Canoe Olympian from Renfrew, a community nearby. The rock declares it. I’ve been coming to the cottage since 1995 and never walked past that rock.
At 8:00 pm every evening on vacation, we stop whatever we’re doing to take our places around the television to witness the resurrection of hope, the surprise of redemption in the feats of athletes around the world. Olympians remind us that the unknowns of the world just like us make history.
It’s my birthday today and I’m celebrating over an Olympic feast at the Schell Café. Kristin Schell and I were introduced online by her mother, Vicki Kessler, a prayer warrior in my life. We’ll meet inRL for the first time next month.
I’m joining the conversation she started around an international table, sharing about a special dinner in the home of my Rwandan friend. Grab a piece of cake and pull up a chair at the table. I’d love to celebrate with you.
I love how the Olympics bring nations together; I love how the Lord brings the nations together to feast at His banquet table. Can you just imagine what heaven will be like, Shelly? Thank you for offering a taste of it here!
I never thought about the Olympics being somewhat of a foreshadowing of His banquet table. Love that Lynn!
Happy Birthday, Shelly! May God give you greater insight into all you are praying for right now, all He is putting on your heart…all you are pouring out to His. And may this be a year of fresh delights! Recipes of His design just for you.
That cake photo at top looks scrumptious! 🙂
Thank you so much sweet lady. Praying daily for God’s provision for you Pam. Sorry I haven’t visited over at your place, trying to catch up after being gone. I’ll get there. I appreciate your love, prayers and support so much, I really do.
I have an interview tomorrow that sounds really good. Appreciate your prayers
Thank you so much, Shelly. I can appreciate how much time it takes getting back… 🙂 If you are interested in the book giveaway though, please let me know before Monday…
Happy Birthday, sweet Shelly! I have virtually grabbed a piece of that cake and am celebrating “with you”. You are providing a recipe for many as you relate RL with His plans for us. Hope your day is as special as you are.
Thanks Paula, going shopping with your gift today. Hope to talk to you later today.
Birthday Blessings to you!!! I pray you will feel love and celebrated by the Lord and those who surround your life. Have a wonderful, sweet day:) ummm are you keeping your age a secret…be free and celebrate whatever age you are:)
Thanks for your prayers Ro. I’m not keeping my age a secret, 48 today. My mother-in-law always says age is a state of mind, I’m remembering that today.
“HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY BAAABY!!! Do you know that moldy-oldy??? NOT that YOU are a moldy-oldy, sweet Shelly!!! Praying you’ll have a wonderful and blessed day. And that the LORD will bring all your dreams and prayers to fruition. Again, you are such a blessing to me every day and I pray those blessings come full circle back to you. Love the photo of you as a precious little girl. Sometimes I feel kind of sad looking back at childhood photos—so much was ‘robbed’ of my childhood and innocence…but Oh…HE has restored to me the years the locusts had eaten, 1000 fold. And I know He’s done the same for you! Cause to celebrate, indeed! BLESSINGS!
I know what you mean about looking at old pictures, I did that last night. The one I posted is during the time when my parents were getting a divorce. I’m told I never smiled for a picture during that season.
Well, am I embarrassed! I have no clue how I missed this……I was very sleepy when posting last night, but I missed that TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY!!! Joyeuse Anniversaire, chere Shelly, and many, many happy returns of the day!!!!! I pray that you have a wonderful celebration, and remember, that women are entitled to celebrate for at least a month. Be sure to tell your husband that! And I even missed your darling little kid picture! What an adorable little two-year-old! Just precious…….just as you are *now*! Again, a very happy birthday to a very wonderful lady in the Lord. Enjoy!
Love,
Lynn
No need to be embarrassed, just thankful for the birthday blessings Lynn. Have a great time away this weekend.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR SHELLY.
I WISH FOR ALL THE THINGS YOU ARE ASKING GOD FOR.
And I pray that many will partake of the bounty He is showing you and sharing to us.
His grace will abide in you and His abundance will continue to flourish in your home.
Thank you for everything.
Thank you Lolita, appreciate your kindness and wishes. I had a wonderful birthday.