peaks and valleys

today i hiked to the top of the danville hills like i've been dreaming and planning to do for the last 15 years (since we moved here).  jon fink and i followed a trail for two and a half hours to the top where this view waited for us.  there were several views along the way for us to stop and take in.  the view from the top was special primarily for the sense of accomplishment and the old bench that wait there for us.

on our way down we circled what we now know was the 'lone tree' and saw a box at the base of it.  at first, it was a bit creepy, but once we looked inside we saw toy cars and a notepad with entree's dating back to 2005 written by people stumbling across this and enjoying the privilege of nature.  it was such a cool find and experience.

also, it had been a while since i last checked on a blog that i've been following concerning a little girl named Korrine who has been battling cancer for a long while now.  to my shock, she passed away this morning.  this family has been through hell.  so many people have left comments already saying the things that people say at times like these.  our minds scramble, desperately searching for solid comfort and then we blurt out a mess of words that are band-aids over broken and shattered hearts and minds.  my God, i pray the best for their family.  they loved their daughter.  it is the kind of love that is relentless and will seek a new way to be at home in their new and shaken lives.

1st John 4:16, "God is Love.  Whoever lives in Love lives in God, and God in them."

this family lived in love.  i pray that loss will not weaken them, but will strengthen their resolve, rest and commitment to be in love as the challenges and obstacles have done for them leading up to this loss.

how they've made it this far and in so much love is cause for recognition, silence and gratitude.