Jennifer turned 29 again this week. We celebrated by getting a sitter and spending the day relaxing and talking. It’s amazing how after fifteen years together we still have things to talk about. On a whim Jennifer suggested we find out what Cheekwood is. Turns out it’s the beautiful gardens and mansion of the Cheek family who entrusted their family estate to the city of Nashville to be converted into an art gallery and museum. We’d seen signs for Cheekwood since we moved here in 1995 but never thought to check it out. Now we’re members and, as it turns out, share a love of art and learning about it. It feels so adult to stand and stare at a painting for a couple of minutes trying to figure out what in the heck you are looking at. I’m at a bit of a handicap being colorblind, but enjoy it anyways.

While we were walking the gardens a new friend called to see if we could get together for dinner. He and his wife met us at Amerigo, where Jennifer and I have been going for special dates since we moved here, and we talked for three hours. It was an unexpected blessing, but the most special blessings usually are.

I love that about God. He sees to what we need beforehand. He gives us just what we need when we need it. Yahweh-Jareh , the Lord who “sees (to it)”. Jennifer’s birthday was special not because of what I planned, but because of what I didn’t plan. There was space and God filled it with great stuff. New stuff. New life.

One of my favorite lines from any movie is Jack Nicolson’s epiphany about his feelings for Helen Hunt at the end of “As Good As It Gets”. In a moment of clarity he says, “You are everything I never knew I always wanted.” That’s how God’s plan is; better than we can think to ask for.

Have a peaceful week,
Jeromy

PS. Jennifer says thanks for the Birthday wishes!
PSS. She is three years older than me again, till August 19th.