My Favorite Easter Bunnies

Exciting Start to the Day

Yesterday morning, I was rudely awakened at approximately 4am by dogs barking. I looked at the clock, rolled my eyes, and tried to go back to sleep for the 30 remaining minutes of my night. But the barking got worse, much worse, and it wasn't letting up at all. It sounded kind like a dog in another yard, but as the minutes went by I began to realize that this may in fact be my dog. Well, sure enough, it was the beloved Kelsey. She was barking as though our lives were in danger and looking very worrisomely behind a bush at the back fence (along the ditch). I very cautiously stepped out into the back yard to see what was on the other side of the fence bothering her. I couldn't see anything, but it was obvious by her insanity that something was there. She wouldn't even come inside when I called. So I went back in and grabbed a flashlight. I walked about halfway across the yard an shined it at the bush, and there it was, a wicked little scared-out-of-its-mind opossum. It's eyes were glaring out at me and it was making some sort of hissing sound at Kelsey. I finally got Kelsey inside, and I guess the opossum wisely found a way back out of the yard. I'm certain that particular rodent will not return. It looked about like the photo here, except under a bush instead of under a table. Gross!

The Exodus

Yesterday was the annual mass exodus from Augusta. This exodus has no biblical connotation whatsoever, unless you count the fact that many people worship the ground at the Augusta National. No, this exodus is the swift and powerful exit at the end of the Masters tournament. Never has there been a more audible sigh of relief from an entire community as our seams are relaxed and we can once again resume normal life. The fans, the rental cars, the limosines, the RVs, the news trucks, the white vans, the golf advertisements, the traffic, the golfers themselves.... they have all left. Here we are the next day, just plain old Augusta again. All the fanfare and excitement is gone, but we are happy. Next year the excitement will build again, "they" will come again, and another exodus will occur, and so on. I lived in Augusta for a few years before I really saw the full force of all the Masters hoopla. Then I moved into this neighborhood (right across the street from the Augusta National), and I finally realized just how much happens during the famous Masters week. I also experienced for the first time the longing for it to go away. I wanted the normal streets back, restuarants without the wait, life as we know it here, boring as it sometimes is. So that year I decided to sit out on Washington Road, right outside the gate, and wave goodbye to the fans as the exodus took place. My friend Sarah Mizelle joined me, and we had a blast. It was so much fun that we decided to make it an annual affair, but unfortunately one thing or another has prevented it for the last two years. This year, however, the tradition continued. Sarah, Jennifer, and I can be seen below wishing all the fans well. Our signs read, "Have a Safe Trip Home", "See Ya Next Year", and "Y'all Come Back!" As happy as we are to see the fans leave, we have tried to be as nice as possible to them. It's funny because most people don't really know what to think of us. Some try to walk by without making eye contact. Others laugh. Others stop and chat. For the most part, they are just surprised that we are actually sitting there on the side of the road and not trying to sell them anything. And we're just glad they are on their way out.

Uncreated Joys

I never cease to be amazed at the ability of Dr. Ortlund (Dr. Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr. to be exact) can convey truth in a profound way. Below is an excerpt from the sermon he preached last Sunday at his church in Nashville.

The goodness of God, better than every other desire, is the truth being advertised through the church. If God were to deed over to you his whole creation as your personal possession and you became unimaginably rich forever, with all the world at your command, your wealth would be real because everything God makes has worth. But you would also go on forever wondering why you felt so empty and frustrated and angry. God created us for uncreated joys. He created us for himself. The Bible says about a wealthy man, “Jesus looked on him and loved him” (Mark 10:21). His love is better than wealth, and that is the most underrated truth in America today. Moses prayed, “Show me your glory.” God answered, “I will make all my goodness pass before you” (Exodus 33:18-19). The Bible says, “Oh, how abundant is your goodness” (Psalm 31:19). “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good” (Psalm 106:1; 107:1). “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). “He gives good things to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:11). His will is good (Romans 12:2). In all things he works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). “Surely goodness and mercy shall pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).

What really caught my attention the most was the statement that "God created us for uncreated joys." I don't think I realize how easily I am swayed to equate joy with something - anything - in this world. What a great reminder that while things in this world can and do bring joy, our ultimate joy can only be found in God himself. Even in some of the verses that Ortlund uses, it is my tendency to equate "good" with something I can see or touch, something created. If only I could remember every day that I am created for uncreated joys, life would be more simple.

Cooper River Memorial Workout

First of all, I would like to congratulate all my friends who took on the Cooper River Bridge Run yesterday and conquered it once again. Julie especially, after recovering from a vicious bout with mono a few months ago, completed without walking! Great job Jules!

Today, in loving memory of the race I did not run yesterday, I took to the streets to push myself in a similar way. Instead of running 6.2 miles, though, I threw in a kink to start early in preparing for the Mistletoe Triathlon, which I hope to race in June. I started by pulling my bike out of the shed, dusting it off, pumping up the tires, and locating all my gear, which has been stashed away for almost 2 years. I rode downtown, around, and back, about 16 miles. It wasn't an intense ride by any means, but not a bad workout at all. I then took about a 30 minute break, stretched, changed shoes, and set out for a 3.1 mile run. I have to say, I was struggling big time, probably in part due to the pre-run bikeride and in part due to the fact that the temp is about 80-85 today. Nonetheless, I finished with a few short walks in 30min45sec. (That included a short stop to give someone directions also.) All in all, I was happy with the workout and feel that I have now somewhat redeemed the lost challenge of the Cooper yesterday.

Oh, and I was also breaking in new running shoes. I had been waiting until after the race buy new shoes and start breaking them in, though I desperately needed some, so I bought some yesterday. So far, two thumbs up. As a woman, I have to admit that sadly it is more fun for me to have new running shoes than new sandals or boots or any other footwear. My family used to call me "Happy Feet" for a few weeks after I got new running shoes, because I walked as though on the tops of clouds. So if you see me sporting my new footwear, you may note the happy spring in my step... I just can't help it.