This weekend I got to go with Heather to shop for her bridal gown. It was the most painless, exciting shopping experience I've probably ever had! It was the second dress she tried on, and no doubt the perfect one. She looks AMAZING in that dress! I can't wait to see her on her wedding day in August!
I got to see Tuscaloosa - not all the damage, since a lot of the neighborhoods are protected by National Guard checkpoints. But wow - it was shocking. Even though I'd seen pictures, it's one of those things that you just have see for yourself. And the stories that I've heard all display God's mercy in the storm..children saved by "the man with wings", lives spared, help coming from every corner of the nation, faith strengthened. No one asks for hardship (unless they're really crazy like me) but the Bible tells us repeatedly that it is through our perseverance in trial and suffering that we grow and our character is proven and we find hope that we can stand on. It doesn't make the circumstances any less tragic - like the mother who's infant was snatched from her arms by the wind and they can only find the blanket she was wrapped in, or the homes that we destroyed leaving only memories and debris behind. But it does remind us that this world is not our home, that our lives are short, and that there are more important things than homes and cars.
Not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5
