This time of year always brings the joy of nostalgic moments; new beginnings with the spring flowers. After a long, cold winter the sun has finally appeared, and the grass is green and the birds have returned and the tulips are exploding in Holland.
And there you are, walking down the sidewalk with a few friends. You are absolutely stunning, and the whole world is waking up the from the slumber of your late arrival. Teresa spent the last few hours straightening your hair and helping you get all dolled up...
And Jacob met us at the Dimness Chapel at Hope College. Daniel and Melissa were there snapping pictures and we all gathered around to watch the pinning of the flowers and the sacred poses. There was a quiet stillness as we all recorded and took pictures, almost like people were in church and didn't want to interrupt the stillness of the kairos moment.
After our family pictures, you and Jacob joined your friends at the Grand Ravines Park and took more photographs before a dance dinner in Grand Rapids. Teresa slipped you $30 dollars to make sure you were not stressed out, and then you would eventually make it back to attend your junior prom!
I tell you how pretty you are and you nod. Like, "yeah you're supposed to say that." But I don't think you realize that I see the beauty of your character, and your heart for God. I see the little girl who used to want me to hold her as we climbed the mountains together... I see the best friend with whom I sat in Jackson Hole on the side of the mountain because you were frustrated and couldn't ski down the icy slopes. I see the adventurer who got lost in Switzerland and ended up with German tourists on a random bus with a chocolate cupcake in your pocket for emergencies. I see the confident woman who walks down the sidewalk like a princess in full knowledge that her Heavenly Father owns this world.
