Day #4 of our Good and Perfect Gift

2:30 pm
What a gorgeous day it has been, thus far!  It's mid-afternoon now, and I'm back in the lighthouse, up on the Lantern Gallery (otherwise known as the balcony), again enjoying the beautiful view and the warm breezes.

Our bedroom windows face east, and do an admirable job of seeing to it that we don't waste the day in bed!

Weiss Lake Sunrise

  This morning, Jimmie and I tried our best to ignore those bright rays of sunshine for as long as we could, but eventually they won out.  Eight-thirty saw us pulling on swim suits and heading downstairs.  After a good cup of coffee, the kayaks were calling, and we answered!  James was just coming in from a kayak jaunt as we headed out.  Paddling across to the other side, we investigated the shoreline and a scattering of homes, then across to another point, and an hour or so later, made our way back to where we started.  I just love it!  I'm thrilled to have found something that doesn't involve my puny legs/hip joints ... something I can actually do!  It's fun, yet good exercise; I can stop and rest any time, and the water, sun, breezes, and timber-clad shoreline combine to just wrap you up in peace and quiet.

Weiss Lake, Alabama

Above it all, a Voice seems to whisper, "Be still, and know that I am God."  What a wonderful way to begin a day!

With muscles pleasantly tired, it was the perfect time to visit the hot tub - which we were happy to do!  With no one else to be seen, we had it all to ourselves - and I always enjoy having Jimmie's undivided attention!  After about an hour of talk, talk, talk and talk some more, we were hungry, and went in search of the lighthouse pantry!  After eating out in the sunshine, on the lakeside deck, it was definitely time for a swim.  I knew better than to try the pool this time, so talked Jimmie into a lake swim.  He pretty much just humors me in that regard.  He's never liked to stay out in the water as much as I do, but he spoils me so wonderfully - and goes just because he knows I want him to.  That is a good and perfect gift I've been enjoying for almost 36 years now!  After the initial breath-catching, invigorating plunge, the water really isn't bad.  :o)  We splashed around on floaties for a while, before paddling down to watch kids on the long slide.  Getting a little chilly by this time, we traded floaties for comfy beach recliners in the sun, nearly taking a nap before walking the lakeside pathway back to our abode.

That brings me to this moment ... having spent an hour or so journaling, talking with the Lord, and now with my honey.  Such a lovely day!

The kids - Sarah, Hannah, Ben, and Josh - will be arriving for the weekend about 8:30 tonight, with Jamie and Colin joining us tomorrow.  Such a blessing for Jimmie and I to have them all together - truly, a good and perfect gift!

4:30 pm

Not long after the above was written, the breeze increased from gentle to stiff and threatening clouds quickly moved in.  In just minutes, those blackened clouds suddenly began to empty, right over our heads!  We quickly grabbed books, computer, etc, and retreated indoors posthaste!  In just a few short minutes, the lake was dark and covered with whitecaps, with the wind gusting against our lighthouse lantern room with enough force to make me nervous.  (Of course, all the Henson men would agree that doesn't really take much to do...)  With Jimmie's reassurances well in mind, I relaxed and enjoyed the coziness of a dark, stormy day being observed from the warmth and security of our own little lighthouse.  It's a great place to watch the storm!  Waves were crashing on the rocky shoreline, and we had just mentioned how glad we were not to be out on the lake in kayaks now.  When what to our wondering eyes should appear - a 16-year-old son, wanting permission to go kayaking!  As we weren't hearing thunder or seeing any lightening - and knowing he'd had a somewhat "boring" day, due to being the only one here who had yet to enjoy their 50th birthday - we gave the "OK" and off he went - glad to be out in the rain, the wind and the waves.  Oft' times, there's just no figuring out the 16-year-old brain, you know?  :o) It was a relatively short, but enjoyed, kayak adventure, as the thunder and lightening did move in, and soon he was back inside - safe, sound, and soon to be dry.  He settled down watching TV, I got comfy to once again write about it all, and Jimmie took the vacation-liberty of a nap.  As he sleeps, I'm watching the storm move on to parts unknown.

The wind dies down, the sky begins to clear.  Puffs of cotton candy appear once more above the gray; hints of blue peep out from behind scurrying clouds.  And soon, there will be little evidence remaining that today, God has ridden upon the storm.  I'm glad I was here to see Him.

"God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform. He plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm."
William Cowper