Thoughtful Thursday -- Random Thoughts

Just a few of the thoughts running through my head this evening...

1.  Ever since my dream about Hannah the other night, I've been wondering why God gave me such an incredibly detailed dream, and then allowed me to fall back to sleep and forget so much of it.  I mean, Hannah and I had such a deep conversation about so many things, and it's just gone.  But maybe, just maybe, she told me TOO much ... things I'm not supposed to know yet.  That's probably not very theologically sound, but who knows?  It's just something I've been thinking about.

2. The other day, Brad and I were driving to a memorial service for the daughter of a dear friend, and he said, "Do you realize that Bethany has now outlived Hannah?"  I almost said, "No she hasn't!", but then stopped to think about it.  For some reason, I've just had in my head that when Bethany hits 18, that's when she'll be older than Hannah.  Well, duh.  As I thought about it, I realized that we had Hannah with us for approximately 17 years and 4 months, and Bethany is now 17 years and 7 months old.  How is it possible that my younger child is now older than my older child ever was?  Something else to think about.

3.  The twelfth season of American Idol started this week.  When Hannah was with us, our lives seemed to revolve around this show.  What sweet memories I have of the hours we spent watching it together, voting for hours after each episode, going to the concerts, and getting the contestants' autographs.  What would Hannah think about this new panel of judges?  At the age of 21, would she even care about watching it anymore?  And just now, as I'm typing this, I'm realizing she wouldn't even be here to watch it with me ... she'd be watching it from her dorm room at OBU.  Hmmmm ... another interesting thought.

4.  This Saturday, we'll be hosting our seventh While We're Waiting Mini-Retreat for Moms.  We have a wonderful group of moms who will be coming to share their kids' stories and to spend the day visiting with other moms who understand.  As always, I'm so excited to see what God has in store for the day.  He never fails to show up in a big way.  I can't tell you what a gift these mini-retreats have been for me personally.  I learn something new every time.  And I'm always humbled by the fact that God chooses to allow me to be a part of this ministry.  Definitely a thankful thought this evening!