Enjoying cuddles and family fun (and photos!) at Pilcher Park, Joliet

I had just dropped my youngest off at his friend’s house for a playdate.  I was backing up to leave the area where I had parked when I suddenly heard a terrible **crunch** sound.  What in the world?!?!  I got out of my van and realized I had backed into a tall light pole on their property!!!  How did I not see that?!?

I hurried back to the house where I nervously told the family what I had done.  Were they mad?  Did they throw a fit about it?  No…instead, they apologized for the damage to our van!  What an unexpected reaction.  I was so thankful…and relieved.

It’s moments like these (where I expect someone’s anger and get kindness instead) that always make me think about God’s mercy and grace to me.  My heart is so thankful when people extend unexpected grace to me in situations where I’ve done wrong.  I can’t help but think about the mercy that God gives to me despite all I do that is wrong in His eyes…the impatience I show to my kids or my husband sometimes, the pride in my heart that make it really hard for me to say ‘I’m sorry’ when I need to…the list goes on and on.  Despite all my mess-ups, however, His mercies to me are ‘new every morning’ and – instead of punishment – he gives me grace for each day.  Best of all, this is how He is to all of us.  How totally wonderful is that?!?

So – anyway –  the cute little guy in these photos is my son’s sweet friend and his parents were the ones who extended mercy to me when I messed up their poor light pole!!  I really am thankful to them and I’m so happy that I got the chance to take their ‘first-ever’ family photos. ❤