A final visit to Tivoli, decorated for Christmas, was where we symbolically said our good-byes. This time tomorrow I will be on a plane headed for home, and while I couldn't be happier, naturally a part of me is sad to leave the interesting and unique life we got to experience in Europe. In my wildest dreams I would have never guessed that our family would be fortunate enough to spend three months living and experiencing another country.
When we get back, I have lots and lots and lots of hugs planned for family and friends. I can't wait for that. Thanksgiving preparations will need to get immediately underway, and after that, planning for the Christmas holidays. I'm going to visit Chipotle and eat a burrito as soon as is humanly possible. And I really, really, really miss my bed. Unspeakably.
These things make life wonderful, the little and the big. The day to day ordinariness and the epic events. The joy, the fear, the love, the loneliness, the excitement, the boredom, the busy-ness, the stillness.
After the horrendous attacks last week in Paris, Ben and I were talking about the emotion and fear that follows something as devastating as that. It doesn't have to be a terrorist attack; there are all too many things in this life that can consume every moment we live with fear or regret. Cancer, aging, disease, sickness, bills, worry about what the future holds for your children, years passing all too quickly with your children, an overseas job that keeps you from loved ones.
Jesus said to take no thought for tomorrow, for sufficient is the evil of the day. Wise words from the wisest Man who ever lived. Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand, but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand. If I keep the words to this song to heart, I have nothing to fear, even if the eventuality of the worst case scenario should ever take place in my life.
