When I saw these photos I immediately thought of my grandmother, Margaret. My dad has a photo of her on the front steps just sitting and thinking... how cool is this.... Meg is now 18 and getting ready to spread her wings just a bit more... actually, her wings have been spreading for a few years now, but she is now ready to take that big leap; you know, the one where she doesn't have mom and dad hovering about her making sure that she doesn't fall flat on her face.

This past Sunday, our Youth Pastor who is filling in for John while he's on sabatical, gave a very thought provoking sermon on taking risks. Are you a risk taker? Meg is my RISK TAKER, notice all caps... she does not back down from challenges. I used to use the word picture of a Pit Bull Terrier. Once Meg takes on a challenge she gives it her all. She gets in there, rolls up her sleeves, and works til it's done. She is not a quiter. She may be hesitant at times, but she just does what needs to be done. This has always, always been her personality. Some kids sit back and test the water before jumping into the pool. Meg takes a look at the frigid waters before her and instead of dipping a toe in, she jumps. Not just a regular jump, but a running I-May-Bellyflop-but-that's-ok jump. She usually doesn't bellyflop, but I think you get the picture. She is so content and sure of herself that she doesn't pay attention to the stupidity of idle chatter that she sees around her at the high school and she doesn't let the pettiness of others get her down. She has told me, and I need to remember this, "there are two types of people in the world, those that are true to themselves and really experience all that God has for them, and then those who are so caught up in their little lives and their little egos that they miss out on life". Looking back over my life, I wish I had been more like the first type of person. I think Meg's going to be just fine... no... I KNOW Meg's going to be more than fine. She's going to experience all the blessings God has in store for her and she's not just going to fly when she flaps those wings.... she's going to soar!