Archive for April, 2010
One Saturday
It actually started on Friday, I guess. The Westover College group participated in Relay for Life, and the whole Copeland family was out walking the night. But the threat of rain, lightening, hail, and a tornado watch sent us packing 7 hours early. We got home about midnight.
After a fried egg sandwich (ie, toast, a fried egg, a slice of cheddar, Boar’s Head mustard, and Louisiana Hot Sauce) and some rather pleasant yard for a late April day, most of us headed to a local High School for Volleyball and fishing. I know. An odd combo. But Tabitha is in a weekly camp and the rest of us decided to utilize their lake to see what we could catch. Nothing. Well, no fish. Judah however came up out of the lake shouting, “I got it!” From up the shoreline, I couldn’t tell. It looked like nothing. But he’d caught a Red eared Slider, a turtle. No bigger than a silver dollar, this colorful amphibian caused us a trip to the pet store for a lamp and food pellets, but also with an abundance of awe. So far, he’s still alive. I hope it stays that way.
Then after a short rest, Tam, Tabitha, Laura Kate (a friend), and I headed downtown. Parking over the river, we walked about a mile to the Hillsong United concert. Actually, we walked about a mile to the door and about another mile down the line. Def the longest line I’ve been in for quite a while. But so very worth it. With several of the college folks with us, we lifted hands and voices in praise to our Great God and Father for 2.5 solid hours. Standing room only. Almost hip to hip. The only thing I could think of that would have made it better is if my dad, sister, and brother-in-law Jon had been with us. (I’d mention Susan and David Rubio too, but then mom might get jealous.)
And while it wasn’t Saturday, let me say this: we’ve been immeasurably blessed by the college students that are making our house a second home. And our lives are closer than we’d ever imagined. (Well, at least I am.) Three of the guys have shared their lives and hearts with us beyond the norm. And then there’s the consummate couple who share with us in tandem. It’s so sweet to see the way they support one another and work together to in peace, but they also choose to share themselves with us, and so bring us deep joy to know they are walking in the faith though there are lots of tough times. And then on Sunday, an incredibly sweet and uncommon occurrence. A precious young lady shared some of her pain and doubts with us after the college class. We’re praying for her because she’s thousands of miles from home and faced with the trauma that only testing can bring.
We’re blessed in all these things. We’re given opportunities to share the love. To share peace. And hope for the deep abiding peace for us and our friends that only His Spirit can bring.
Unexpected
1) We were amazed at how many establishments continue to celebrate Easter in Austin. It was such a wonderful surprise.
2) The reason we knew was that Judah needed a fedora for an upcoming play at school. Dress rehearsal on the Monday after Easter naturally meant we were out on Easter afternoon looking for open establishments. The only available we found was Walmart! But since fashion has temporarily brought fedora’s back, they had one. The most unexpected part is that Judah wore it the remaining portion of Sunday. I’ll be interested to see if he wears it at other times after the play on April 11.
One Copeland Crew 