The Celebration

We celebrated our daughter-in law's birthday yesterday. It so happens that we seem to celebrate in the same way every year, we float down the river, and then go out to eat. It was a lot of fun. We started the morning around ten, divided into two cars. Nine of us were able to make the day adventure.
We arrived at the river two hours later and pumped up the tubes, tied them all together, loaded the cooler, and off we went. The water was freezing, and naturally, there were several comments on that.
The ride down the river was full of adventure from laughter, to moments of silence, swimming, discussions, falling off tubes, getting stuck on rocks in shallow water, admiring the scenery, and just enjoying the company.
At the end of the journey we were all very tired. We met for dinner, and I marveled at the gift of family. I rejoiced at the beauty of my daughter in-law, for she truly is a celebration. She loves my son, and that is something to celebrate. She loves Jesus, another celebration, and she loves our family! So, she is a celebration to our family and a blessed gift.
This morning I read in Psalms 139:23-24, "Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about; see for yourself whether I've done anything wrong--then guide me on the road to eternal life.
As I floated down the river yesterday, I did a little looking at my life, and a little talking to God as well. It's hard not too when I have all my children right there floating in front of me! It would've been hard to convince me twenty years ago that my three little boys would be men someday, and they would all have wives and I'd be floating down a river with them!!! And, to add to that I'd have two more, a six year old and a nine year old!
Yes, my boys are men and they sometimes cause me to examine my life, and I bring it to God, and God says: "Bethany, you are loved! You are celebrated, look at this beautiful family I have blessed you with! These beautiful daughters!" He has turned so much darkness into light. He has raised me up from a pit and rewarded my perseverance. He has blessed my husband and my children with love and grace.
Jesus, Say That Again! You will examine me, test me, forgive me, and bless me. You are Good.