I am about to post some new pictures, but I had a great story to pass along in the meantime....
Nathan and I were sitting with the kids in Burger King earlier this afternoon. It was a pretty regular trip for us into town and the natives were restless for lunch. After an agonizing few minutes of ordering our food from the finest a low unemployment economy has to offer, we finally sat down to our food. Halfway through our meal, a strange occurrence for Parker, CO happened-- two Army soldiers walked into the establishment in desert fatigues.
The man and woman stuck out against the crowd and drew many stares from the patrons. They ended up sitting in the booth right behind me (obviously as frazzled as I was from trying to get our order right with the girl behind the counter). My children seemed unfazed, not knowing the gravity of the lifestyle these two lead. However, there was a couple of families coming out of the play place. A woman held the hand of her two daughters, and one of them slowed her pace as they asked the pair in amazement, "Are you SOLDIERS?" The man politely answered, "Why, yes we are." The girl's eyes filled with awe as a smile crossed her face.
Her mother quickly added a quiet, "thank you" to the soldiers as she hurried her kids off to the car. But the whole scene was so beautiful. It reminded me that my own generation has not forgotten the importance of honoring those who serve their country. I was so humbled at the picture, but I was so filled with pride that these soldiers were honored in such a small and meaningful way.
Jonathan finished with his chicken nuggets and ambled onto the playground. This is always a discouraging time, because the inner workings of the confusing slides always cause great anxiety for him. But today, he decided, was different. For the first time he dared to take a step of faith and battle his fear head-on. He climbed up into the fort and ran his little heart off in delight. He not only tackled a big mountain, but he also remembered to take his time enjoying the reward. I was well-pleased with his small step out into the abyss we call independence.
What a day to celebrate the little things that happen along the way!
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." Ephesians 6:12-13
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