In Between Dreams: Splendor in the Deep

One thing that I love about my husband is his love for spontaneity. A few years ago, pre-Marlee, some friends suggested we come to the beach with them. Tony came home with the idea, we talked it over and an hour later we were headed to Daytona. Turns out, I'm way less stressed when I have short notice. It's fun to just pack up and go.

We had originally talked about a weekend in Nashville, but Tony only wanted to go if he could stay at the Opryland Hotel. Well, they were booked, so Nashville was a no go. Then before I knew what hit me, we had packed our pajamas and were on our way to Chattanooga. By way of the mechanic to pick up my car, the bank, and the outlet mall in Calhoun, GA. Both Loft and Gap had 50% off sales. Big smile.

We set our sights on the Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel and were lucky enough to get to sleep in one of these- a Victorian era rail car. The kids thought it was wonderful, and I did too. Tony was less than thrilled because the queen sized bed had to hold me, him and "big girl," as he calls our sweet Marlee.

The next morning we headed for one of Chattanooga's most famous locations, Ruby Falls. Now, in case you didn't know, which I didn't, Ruby Falls is found underground. Way underground. When the elevator landed and we were 260 feet underground, I felt hot and panicky. I do not think I will enter a cave again. At least I hope I won't.

Ruby Falls, is a remarkable story. The man to discovered it crawled for something like 12 hours through a narrow shaft and slowly the shaft grew taller and he could stand up and then finally it opens up to an enormous cavern with a waterfall. It's a really magnificent creation. I love to think that God planned that little surprise for someone to find one day, a testament to His love for us and His delight in forming Creation.

Although I do not believe I will become a cave explorer EVER, it's pretty cool down there.

This formation is labeled donkey because it looks like the back of a donkey. Funny.

Think about people. They sometimes have a rough exterior, may look different from you, maybe don't seem like they even want to know you. But you persist. Pushing back the resistance, digging deep, being a friend even when they don't want you, loving for Christ's sake. Sometimes it may seem like the work is too hard, the task too difficult, the labor to intensive. You may be tired of crawling on your belly, scraping your knuckles and knees on the ground, getting nowhere.

From the outside, you can't see it. It takes time and effort, but always, deep inside is the splendor of God's creation just waiting to be discovered.

Love people, for their soul is reaching for Jesus.