Scoring Touchdowns, Catching Fish, and Making Memories

When we started David's journey late last winter/early spring we assumed, based on the doctor's prognosis, we'd be joining our kids on vacation and enjoying another beautiful Georgia summer with family and friends. Assumptions are bad; in fact, when I was teaching school, I had a sign over my desk that read, "Assume Nothing." I should have taken those words to heart.

So as most of you know, we didn't get to go on that family vacation; we didn't spend much time with friends, and well...the summer wasn't exactly a beautiful one for us. Oh, the weather was typical for our area, but David's health issues made it far from beautiful. 

Yesterday, we went to our 6th-grade grandson's football game against Wheeler (my HS alma mater) and they crushed the Wildcats with #81 (his Dad, his Uncle Jon's, and his Uncle Hal's HS number) scoring TWO touchdowns, one on a pass and run and another on a pass into the endzone! Proud is an understatement. Actually, his team is undefeated giving up only 6 points the entire season! Bring on the playoffs! We also were able to attend our 3rd-grade grandson's game in which he, not to be outdone, also scored twice - once for a touchdown and once for the PAT. This GrandMary loves watching them play as much, if not more, as I enjoyed watching their dad play. Such precious memories!

All in all, life is good; actually, life is pretty great right now. David no longer requires my physical presence and assistance as much as he did even a few weeks ago which makes life feel so much more normal. We are able to make plans for more than a day or so out which is a HUGE blessing! We can actually MAKE PLANS! 

Keep this in mind, folks - While we may make assumptions about where we'll be in a few months or years, God doesn't. Why? Because He KNOWS! Nothing takes Him by surprise. David's abscess? Not a surprise. Could He have healed David without surgery? Without a doubt! But...do all things happen for a reason? 100% The Clarks have been through a lot in our years together, but through it all, we've learned that ONLY by putting our trust in God will we be able to overcome any difficulties we encounter. God will not and does not forsake His people!

Psalm 9:10 - And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Gone Fishin'

Since I last posted about David's renewed interest in fly-fishing, he's been on a mission to try out his fly rods - one he's used, and one he's never used, although he bought it sometime in the 1990's. (Yeah, that's how we roll; "I need this now, but I'll hold on to it for 30+ years before testing it.")😂

Last Friday, we rode to Morgan Falls which has some beautiful fishing spots below the dam; he didn't take his rods, but it would have been an ideal time to "test the waters" - pun definitely intended! On Sunday, he went to our side lot to practice his casting. He didn't catch anything other than a few leaves, but it was so good to see him enjoying the moment. 

On Thursday of this week, we went to his sister's home on Wynn's Pond in Coweta County, and he had such a good time trying out his rods; he even caught a few bream! The smile on his face pretty much says it all...He was exhausted after standing for so long, but it was, as he said, "a good tired."

In Psalm 46:10, God reminds us we need only be still. I believe it is in the stillness, we experience His faithfulness to His promises. Perhaps David's desire to go to still waters was a God whisper? Perhaps not, but I saw a peace and joy come over David that I haven't seen in a while. God is good, y'all! He's the Great Physician AND the big smile maker!