Renewal

I woke up this morning to glorious sunshine and the word, "renewal" came to mind.

Reflecting on the past week, I realized each day had provided an opportunity to rejuvenate, restore, or re- freshen something or someone.

Sunday afternoon I met with a couple whose last names are Montana and Washington. They'll be merging their "states" in matrimony later this summer. Although suffering from a cold grandson Micah gave me, meeting with couples excited about their future always rejuvenates my interest in taking pictures.

Monday, I just took it easy trying to shake my cold. It's unusual for me just to have a day to do nothing. I wasn't completely successful in that regard, but at least I had time to slow down and restore.

Tuesday, Scott and I traveled to Seattle so he could have a nuclear stress test on his heart. He was very nervous about it since the last experience six years ago was very uncomfortable for him. The three hour procedure turned out to be a piece of cake. No discomfort this time and it gave me three hours to study my new Canon camera. Scott came away from the test encouraged about the condition of his heart and I came away with way too much information. While we were in Seattle, Living Waters cleaned our pond. Algae had completely taken over. Craig and company found that our neighborhood heron hadn't eaten all the goldfish and the water is now crystal clear - renewed!

Wednesday, I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful 16 x 20 inch cross stitch piece of St Nicolas holding the Christ child with two angels at his feet. It had taken Judy about five years to complete. She was giving the original  to her daughter, but her sons wanted one too. She'd told them she probably wouldn't live long enough to complete that project, so she chose to have 16 x 20 photographs printed as canvas wraps to give them instead. (A canvas wrap simulates an oil painting.)

Thursday found us back in Seattle again seeing a hip specialist. Scott again came away encouraged about starting a physical therapy regimen, getting massage, and possibly changing his diet (Yes! Man can't live by Dave's Killer Bread and peanut butter alone.)

That afternoon, my friend Janine and I went shopping for accessories to spruce up my living room. The red accents were getting tiresome. She'd agreed to make me a new silk flower arrangement for behind the couch and that had started the whole living room "renewal" process.

Friday, Bella and Charlie were groomed and so was I! We all looked great! We may not have been rejuvenated, but we were at least restored.

Saturday, I again had the pleasure of meeting with a couple who are planning to renew their vows after 30 years of marriage. When I asked their secret for a long and successful marriage, James' immediate reply was, "Jesus!" We laughed, but I knew he was serious as they explained their plans and we discussed photography for the day.

I finished Saturday by going to church with Kendall and Jon and family. Scott wasn't up to it, but it was a wonderful way to conclude the week and celebrate Easter by hearing the message of the Resurrection. Therein lies the most important example and gift of renewal.