First, we had a shocking moment when a 4-year-old and ancient Scripture combined forces. Since she was very young, our oldest daughter has been an energerized member of our small group. The group, centered on Christianity, often happily and patiently takes detours when our energizer bunny hops on scene. Earlier in the month, my wife was reading a passage aloud when the eyes of my wisest lit up like a Christmas tree and her mouth motor started to buzz.
Initially, her instruction was to "Wait, Wait, WAIT" as if something momentous had just occurred. As she struggled to find her words, a fellowship ring silently and calmly waited for her proclamation. Watching her, you could see the story unfolding out of her circus brain and into the room. She heard her Mom say, "Saul" and the light bulb went off. In the Cliff Notes retelling version, she educated our small group on how Saul became Paul, how his relationship with Jesus changed, and how he decided to live a different life.
It was amazing. Our group just sat there - stunned by this advanced interruption. My wife cried. Our 2-year-old climbed furniture with reckless abandon. Eventually, my wife finished the reading. We learned that our 4-year-old first heard about Saul at Geneva Preschool. It was an incredible testament to the education she has received and to what a little girl can retain.
Fastforward to a week day later in the month when it was not raining (only a few to choose from). I went on a run in Westmont in an effort to train for the upcoming Path of the Flood Historic Races. I ran past Geneva Preschool and onto the street I grew up on. I made my way into Grandview Cemetery and did the perimeter path of this expansive graveyard. When running, I am often flooded with memories, inspiration, and gratitude. This rush to running makes every mile meaningful.
As I exited the cemetery, I attacked the ascent toward the Inclined Plane. In my many years of running, I have countered hills with faith and family. As the years go by, I'm sure the hills are only going to get tougher, but I know what will get me up them.
With the Inclined Plane in sight, I made my final charge. I saw a couple walk out toward their car as I reached my destination. The miracle - the man who looked back to see me coming - was the doctor that brought my girls into the world. My feet were now walking, but my mind was still racing. Thank you, Dr. Khouzami. My daughters have inherited some of your kindness and sense of humor.
That Friday, I went back to the Inclined Plane. I had both my girls. My wife was on a bachelorette party weekend. A summary of her trip is not and will never be available for print. As we waited to board the Inclined Plane, I bought us a pack of Sour Patch Kids. As we ate those colorful, sour children, a rainbow formed in the clouds above Johnstown. It was an awesome view.
Within a few minutes, the rainbow faded and the Sour Patch Kids were gone. Standing their alone with my daughters, it felt like that rainbow was just for us.
Descending down into the city, I began to connect a lot of dots. Life certainly comes with a lot of ups and downs. Holding my girls, we waited in suspense to make that steep journey to the bottom. When that first jolt occurred, my 2-year-old's eyes got huge and she slowly belted out, "What the heck!?!?!"
In the spring and summer ahead, expect some rain, hope for some sun, and maybe, just maybe, you will find a rainbow. Support your community and attack the hills.
Trust me, the view from the top is worth it.
Fastforward to a week day later in the month when it was not raining (only a few to choose from). I went on a run in Westmont in an effort to train for the upcoming Path of the Flood Historic Races. I ran past Geneva Preschool and onto the street I grew up on. I made my way into Grandview Cemetery and did the perimeter path of this expansive graveyard. When running, I am often flooded with memories, inspiration, and gratitude. This rush to running makes every mile meaningful.
As I exited the cemetery, I attacked the ascent toward the Inclined Plane. In my many years of running, I have countered hills with faith and family. As the years go by, I'm sure the hills are only going to get tougher, but I know what will get me up them.
With the Inclined Plane in sight, I made my final charge. I saw a couple walk out toward their car as I reached my destination. The miracle - the man who looked back to see me coming - was the doctor that brought my girls into the world. My feet were now walking, but my mind was still racing. Thank you, Dr. Khouzami. My daughters have inherited some of your kindness and sense of humor.
That Friday, I went back to the Inclined Plane. I had both my girls. My wife was on a bachelorette party weekend. A summary of her trip is not and will never be available for print. As we waited to board the Inclined Plane, I bought us a pack of Sour Patch Kids. As we ate those colorful, sour children, a rainbow formed in the clouds above Johnstown. It was an awesome view.
Within a few minutes, the rainbow faded and the Sour Patch Kids were gone. Standing their alone with my daughters, it felt like that rainbow was just for us.
Descending down into the city, I began to connect a lot of dots. Life certainly comes with a lot of ups and downs. Holding my girls, we waited in suspense to make that steep journey to the bottom. When that first jolt occurred, my 2-year-old's eyes got huge and she slowly belted out, "What the heck!?!?!"
In the spring and summer ahead, expect some rain, hope for some sun, and maybe, just maybe, you will find a rainbow. Support your community and attack the hills.
Trust me, the view from the top is worth it.
