Happy Saturday morning!  It's so quiet at our house right now.  Ahhhhh.  I'm the only one up.  I enjoy this time of day.

We spent the last 2 days playing softball from afternoon until night.  B's girls were in the area tournament and finished as runners up.  They will continue to regionals in the coming week.  They fought so hard yesterday.  I was exhausted from watching.  I can't imagine how exhausted they were from playing.  Proud of you, girls.  And I'm proud of you too, Bradley.  I think you do an excellent job of keeping their heads up and motivating them to play with heart and class, all at the same time.

I just read a post from my friend, Joni, about her baby boy, Kaleb.  They've been at Childrens in B'ham for several days and seem to finally be getting some good results.  I read her post this morning and was struck by how tired and emotional she must be.  Yet, with God's help, she somehow holds it together.  She always finds the positive.  I'm super-proud of you, Joni.  So many people are watching your journey and you are making a positive impact on so many people...of that, I am certain.  I've always thought one of your greatest purposes in life was to be a mommy.  You're an inspiration.

The previous 2 paragraphs are about such opposite situations.  But it helps me put things in perspective.  I read the following quote a few minutes ago, and thought it applied to these situations, but so many more:

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

It's never what we'd choose, though, is it?  But when we learn though it and allow God to teach us from it, our faith grows stronger.  I've had some concerns this week.  When I have concerns, I roll them around in my brain over and over and over...and over.  I choose to believe this morning that God is in charge.  I struggle with this.  I'm a worrier.  But I'm making a choice for today to let go of all that control that I think I have and enjoy this day and the things that matter.

I have a new book on my Kindle, a large supply of Nutella and animal crackers, AND a case of Coke Zero.    All 3 of us are home and have no where to go.  If the sun will just come out, it's going to be a nice, relaxing day at the pool.  Happy Saturday.