Family Bikeride #2

This morning Clay and I went to church and one of us cried a lot (not Clay). I hate to jump on the latest trendy Christian book bandwagon (though I did enjoy the Shack and Blue Like Jazz), but Cold Tangerines (thanks Robin!) has really inspired me to celebrate God's presence in the little moments of life. Like the stranger who offered me Kleenex in church (she promised it was clean), or watching another stranger play with a giggling Clay on a snow mound outside church for 10 minutes, or my friend playing with my hair while I cried - all felt like reminders that God loves me and wants to make sure I know it.

Also, the book has helped me resolve some of my past shame by reading about another non-Californian who went to Westmont and felt like an outsider. See! I wasn't the only one who humiliated herself by wearing a one-piece to the Freshman orientation beach BBQ (FYI, other non-Californians - this is just not done in So. Cal). And for the record, even when exhausted, Justin has been a great sport when I insist he read chapters and debrief with me before bed.

This afternoon Justin came home early from his snowboarding adventure (see other post), and we rode our bikes around Stanley Park, played at the beach, ate dinner at our favorite Japanese ramen restaurant, and topped it all off with 4 scoops of Mondo gelato. It was easy to find find God on this outing - as it was sheer delight. What is not so delightful is a sugar-crazed Clay still singing up in his bed as I write this - at 9:30 at night. Justin and I even shed a few sentimental tears watching the Amazing Race. Unfortunately, this just further justifies my TV addiction - another topic covered in Cold Tangerines that resonates with (i.e. convicts) me.