growing up, i never really gave my parents birthday gifts. in fact, the whole gift giving thing wasn't really impressed upon our family. holidays passed without presents but there was never any sort of envy or contempt. perhaps we didn't make gift exchanging an event because it happened so naturally. in our family, if someone wants something, it would be bought, even if it didn't come in intricately wrapped gift boxes and such. ever since i went away to college, i've always made an effort to get my parents something for their birthdays since i could never physically be there to celebrate. i remember dropping almost a week's worth of paycheck at banana for my dad one year and when he received the package, he told me how thankful he was and told me he didn't need any of those things, that the love of the family and the love of God was enough. in the end, he kept one sweater and returned everything else. that's the way my parents are. they live with what they have, never wanting more than what is needed. they're living reminders that God's grace is sufficient and His love is enough. 

dad's birthday is coming up at the end of the week and writing his card, i can't help but be in awe at how God has changed him. no longer too proud and self-dependent, too serious and hard to talk to, God has really softened his heart over the years. over thanksgiving break, i watched him hold kaelyn, and he never tires of her, laughing at every move she makes, at every expression on her face. i can't help but smile. :)

it's days like these that i just wish i had the power to freeze time, to live in the moments of greatest love and joy.

family. love.