If you can, be at the Athens Vineyard March 28.  It would be really great if some of you who have moved away could be here that day.  We’ll celebrate in church, and then have a party for Lunch at Last.

And if you bring dessert, make sure it’s a birthday cake!!

Anywho, Griffin Billings, the three year old recently diagnosed with leukemia at our church, had a day honoring him this past weekend. Griffin Day! A 5k was run, songs were sung, raffles were drawn and smiles were had.

In its aftermath I’ve learned that I had a couple failures on that day:

First, I failed to take the day slower… focusing on the facts and the people. Griffin is certainly sick, but folks showed up in droves to run, to laugh, to listen, to support.

Second, I failed to appreciate God’s grace… focusing on the realities of God’s goodness instead of the intensity of Griffin’s sickness. Sure, Griffin is sick, but allowing my exuberance on his day to be tempered by his condition missed the point of the day itself. I failed to celebrate as hard as I wanted.

Third, I now frequently fail to realize that there is no formula for these things. Griffin is sick. Two things have the power to heal him. One is possible – medicine. The other is perfect but can be mysterious – God.

What I won’t fail today is thanking God for that day. For Griffin’s Day. It was precious. Sweet. A hopefully positive memory that floats on top of the difficulty of the past few months for the Billings family.

*Last four photos courtesy of Lauren Ashlee O’Brian.