Contemplation

Yesterday provided many times of contemplation. We spent part of the day at Arlington Cemetery, which is sobering on so many counts. I read so many notes of the soldier’s deaths not being in vain and I wondered honestly if I could assent if it was my Jason, my Casey/Cory/Grant. That led me to think through the only guaranteed assent I could offer to know that life OR death could not be in vain: the one that is for the Father’s glory. As we walked the rows of tombstones I wondered what a cemetery of the martyrs would look like – if they were honored as our nation’s heroes are. How many miles and acres would they consume?

And earlier this week, amidst historical treasures of our nation’s history, we were fortunate enough to come upon the “Illumination of the Word” exhibit at the Library of Congress. It is a display of a hand-written and hand-illustrated copy of the Word – beautifully done, and a strong reminder to us of the most important history to be preserved and told. Nearly incomprehensible to think that the early pioneers of printing the Word in English lost their lives for taking that stand.

So, while wandering this beautiful Capitol and soaking in our young history, the Father has continued to prompt our minds to Him.

Deep and valuable conversations have been shared with our good friends Jedd & Rachel Medefind, furthering our heart’s preparation for this endeavor. Last night we were able to sit and go through our itinerary and hopes/ideas/questions for all that is to come, and it was so exciting to break away from the pragmatic planning and prepare to leave today with a renewed passion.