Tree lighting

Oh, what a night! We went to our community’s tree-lighting event the other night.  Whenever our whole family of seven is together it is an extraordinary gift to me.  It happens at least once a week, but each time feels like we are actively creating our own ‘good old days.’

This was one of those times, magnified. We wandered around the area and got photos in front of the tree before the lighting.  The sunset was stunning and made for beautiful pictures. 

Then we found a restaurant that would seat seven without reservations. We never take the kids to restaurants, and we did it without prepping them at all.  We were begging for chaos!

But it went marvelously!  The girls behaved so well and waited patiently for their food.  We finished in time to get back to the square for the lighting.  We danced and took more photos as we waited.

After the lighting, we pivoted 180 degrees to watch the fireworks. My first daughter is not a fan of fireworks because the noise bothers her.  We discovered that fireworks without mountains and canyons have no reverberation, and are far less uncomfortable. Yay for the flatlands! But she has compassion for the baby who didn’t love the sounds, making a great partner for her.

As I stood there watching the fireworks with my nine-year-old on my shoulders, I looked at my son. I was overcome with gratitude for the moment, I just shouted thanks to our Lord whose love is so extravagant.  He is just as extravagant with His love and goodness when things are horrible, and loss is shredding our hearts.  I know this full well.  But I am no less grateful for the moments when everything is just right.  This night was just right.