Volume 161: Rest in Non Strangers
We were eventually let in and everyone strolled to their seats and unwrapped their 3D glasses.
The theater was full! There was excitement in the air!
A sense of wonder and awe - being taken to another world, the beloved land of Pandora.
There were such beautiful, almost breath-taking sights. The volume was booming.
I do have to say... the movie itself was not anything super special (sorry Yellerton, if you disagree ok!!!) but it was more about the experience.
Being in a packed theater, all seeing it for the first time.
And most impressively... all sitting in the theater for about 4 hours... with no distractions or breaks.
An escape from reality!
A room full of strangers, who I quickly felt bonded with.
But that was just the beginning of my Christmas break... the rest of the time was definitely not with strangers!
One final play date with the Cash crew before they head to Ireland 😔
Playing flag football in the front yard.
Ollie's athleticism.
Finn's refusal to follow my (made up) rules for the game.
Murphy playing with the cones.
Ollie falling on the brick sidewalk.
Finn randomly pulling down his pants to pee in the yard.
All chaos.
All fun.
Meanwhile, Josh and Frannie were making multiple trips back and forth between the house and car, packing up their 6+ house in just a little over 2 years. Yet, on the outside, they seemed as if they were simply packing for a weekend trip...calm as could be.
There's no greater gift than to be influenced by the Cash's outlook on this life! A unique appreciation and posture of open hand surrender. A life full of stories to tell because they put themselves in situations for God to work! Amen!
I am thankful the Cashes are not strangers!
On Sunday night, I went to Murray's Light - an annual event honoring my High School friend that died when we were in college. It's been ten years since the accident and we sure do miss her! But even though her life was short, it was one that impacted so many people (and still influencing people today!). It's shown by the people who show up every year.
So many people that I love - that have known me my whole life - Mrs. Laura and Russ and the triplets. Gaboo and Aunt Jodi. The Terrells and the Browns. The Sherwoods and Jack. The Hightowers and Suggs. And so many more!
It's not the reason we all want to come together, but it's something that Murray would have loved. All people that she loved! And that were consistent in our lives growing up (we were neighbors!).
The opposite of strangers!
The family was finally all together on Christmas day! Anticipated full days of activity and games and time together!
From smiling through Dad's annual attempt of warming up (yes, just warming up...) casseroles to playing a variety of games such as Mario Mini games, Left Right Center, Wii bowling, and dirty Santa.
I am most grateful for the way the full family comes together - Mom + Jake, and my Dad, Aunt Rhonda + Tom, Finn + Lily (step siblings), O'Connors, and Maiers. It's a special thing to be able to be together and all get along and laugh together.
We also love to compete... Imagine this... there's basically a 4 way tie in the 7th annual family olympics... Rick, Rory, Matthew, and ME!!!! and it all comes down to....
the paper airplane throwing contest!!!
What an event for such high stakes. Despite my greatly crafted plane and long flight, my Dad beat me. But that's okay, just honored to finish in the top 3!
But my favorite moment of the week was the 10k run.
Last Christmas, Rory and I sat in the living room and decided that our goal for 2026 would be to run a 10k. Considering neither of us had run a mile in a longggg time, it was definitely something that we would have to work towards. After a lot of hype, Celia decided to join in too.
We created a separate group message, mainly consisting of me bothering them at 6 AM, wide awake after OTF...
The day finally came. 10k1227 (10k on 12/27).
While I still don't quite love the act of running, there's nothing greater than marking off a New Years goal as completed.
And even more than that, there's nothing better than looking down the long stretch of road and seeing your whole family, gathered together in a random church parking lot, all there, cheering you on.
Along the way, they would drive by, honk, pull over, and cheer along the route. To the point that people driving by were surely greatly confused...
Especially when we received our very own motorcycle escort in the neighborhood!
Here's the thing.
This was not an official race.
Our family had no obligation to get out of the house to cheer for us.
But they did. And that was special to me! Making the small moments memorable!
A crew that has cheered me on my whole life. Whether in ways I desire/expect or not.
That's what's special about family. They are always with you - stuck with you! Through some really ugly moments but then some really great ones too!
A group that never feel like strangers!
And I am grateful for the way there are so many people in my life that feel like family. The Cashes. The Campbells.
The Kinnebrews who had me over for dinner and games Saturday night!
The Vosses who cooked me a delicious meal Sunday night!
The Priddys who welcomed me into their home on Monday!
And here's the thing about these people... they all have helped me to grow closer to God!
Most importantly, I am grateful that God is not a stranger!
That He sent His Son to earth, born in a humble manner, tempted, and living in the world so that we could relate to Him!!
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