Humbly grateful

We had a fun surprise this weekend when Josh's father-in-law, Mike,  invited my dad to a spontaneous visit to his hometown, Moscow, ID. Brand and I were invited to come join them for the day (and then the night). We had so much fun hiking around the Dudley's property on Moscow mountain. It was beautiful and though we probably scared all the animals away, there was definite bear poop, deer poop, and elk poop. The dogs had a blast scaring the grouse (and me!)
It was amazing to see my dad hiking that mountain with hardly any problem. Realistically, he probably should not be able to do that but he kicked our butts (Note to self: get in shape). We had such a good time talking about life and the Lord. Of course my dad brought up some books for us on grace (his favorite subject.)

If you ever want to be humbled here are a few steps:
1.) Ask for it, it's a good step because God delivers.
2.) Hike a mountain with your 64-year-old dad who has an illness that should stop him from hiking a mountain...but it doesn't. And then watch him whoop your butt at it.
3.) Talk to a man faced with the worst and listen to him speak about life joyfully and gratefully and how he sees his prognosis as nothing more than another reason to share the love and grace of the Lord.

Also, the Dudleys are pros at being hospitable. At short notice they took us in when the last and only time we met them was at Josh and Rheanne's wedding 5 years ago. We had fun hiking, cutting down trees for firewood (well Rob Dudley cut, we loaded into the truck), dodging bees, taking shortcuts, eating yummy food, bashing the Vandals in Vandal country to Vandal fans (good-natured fans!), playing Bopit, trying to get cats to run into the wall, listening to Dudley stories, and great conversations. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm really grateful Josh married Rheanne. She's pretty awesome but then to back it up with a great family is just a bonus.

There's a lot to complain about in this world. And man are we faced with it every day either by ourselves or people around us. But it's hard to complain with a family (and extended extended family) like mine. I'm grateful for the people in my life and the joy they bring me. Thank you.