Chasing Birds

In 1993 Whit and I had a toddler and were expecting our second son.  We had made a simple decision that seemed dramatic to the world’s typical views.  Whit went to work at an entry-level position he was over-qualified for and I stayed at home with the kids despite the salary with Whit’s position being technically below the poverty line.  We crunched the numbers and knew we could (barely) make them work with a few creative maneuvers and a lot of sacrifices.  There was no budget for date nights or babysitters, but occasionally we would splurge with gas money by going to the park by the river together as a family with a picnic lunch.  Whit and I would sit on a denim quilt handmade by his Grandma and watch Brennen as he tirelessly chased birds. It was strangely one of his favorite pastimes at the park. He would swing for a minute, zoom down the slide a time or two and then chase seagulls until we had to bribe him with a treat to get back in his car seat and head home.  Here’s the deal… he never caught a bird… Not too surprising given the nature and resources of seagulls. Nevertheless, Brennen giggled with delight in the chase and recounted his adventures all the way home about the time he almost caught one… As I watch Brennen 25 years later well into his own adulthood- he still chases “birds” and I love to watch him and become inspired just as much.  The “birds” he chases aren’t literal- well not most of the time… But rather seemingly unattainable dreams. He’s never been shy about setting his dreams, hopes, and visions at an impressive mark and then working with God to align his will with His Creator’s. 

Here’s what I know about God’s will for each of us as the very individual beings we are… It changes. It’s His very plan that I progress. Thus it makes perfect sense that God’s will for me is not a one-time destination but rather a seemingly invisible line of upward progression.  As I work toward understanding His will for me, aligning my desires with His, working my hardest as if the attainment of such goals is accomplished by my own merit- and then accepting God’s grace and magnitude to watch in humble disbelief at what we create together… Indeed chasing “birds” is a beautiful way to live life.   As I stumble in the chase, Christ is there. When I allow Him to dust the dirt off of my chin and help me to my feet, I realize I’m not alone. 

God wants Brennen to continue to chase “birds”. He wants me to believe- and chase them also. He wants me to trust in Him, follow my son’s lead with faith in the knowledge that in and through God, nothing is impossible. As I allow my Father in Heaven to help navigate my goals dreams and ambitions, I see His work unfolding and myself just playing a simple part, delighting in the chase.  -JC

Cookie Dough Bites

½ cup soft butter
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla
2 Tablespoons milk or cream
1 cup flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup mini chocolate chips

Cream butter, sugars, vanilla and milk with an electric mixer on medium-high for 30 seconds or until well incorporated.  Stir in flour and salt. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Scoop out 20 1 ¼” balls of dough and gently roll. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Melt:
¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips,
¾  cup milk chocolate chips
1 Tablespoon coconut oi
Stir until smooth.

Dip each Cookie Dough Bite into melted chocolate.  Garnish with additional chocolate drizzle if desired.  Chill. Let set. Enjoy!

-JC