I wait for it every year. The final bell rings and from a block away you can hear all the school children yelling: YAAAAYYYYYY! We're freeeeeeee!
Matt called me from work.
"Dude, the weather's awesome," he said, "we gotta take the kids to Laguna."
So, we did. 
We ate an early dinner at Johnny Rockets. Everyone was in high spirits.
Especially Jewel, who earned straight A's this year!
"So, Dad," she said, "how about that iPod?"
Man it stinks when they remember your promises better than you do!
We went for a long walk on Main Beach. We played tag, watched the beach volleyball games, gave a few bucks to a homeless woman, dodged the rising tide.
We ended up at the tide pools at the north end of the beach. The kids scrambled up the rocks as the fog started to roll in. I snapped a few shots of my strong, silent man watching the waves. I can't believe it, but he still makes my heart skip like crazy.
Happy Father's Day, baby. You make my heart ache–in a good way.
Do you ever have those moments where you like: dude, how did we make it here? 'Cuz the road that brought us here was insane. There were days when I doubted, I thought we wouldn't make it. And then we looked at this and thought: yeah, worth it. Totally, 100%, without a doubt, absolutely worth it.
You know, I think that's what living for God is like, too. Living in obedience to Him can be difficult. But honestly, it's so rewarding. As I abandon myself to the providence of God, as I throw myself into the arms of Jesus, I'm amazed over and over: He knows what I need so much better than I do!
It's an incredible ride. It's totally worth it.
