It was a quick text. Nothing like a hand written letter on floral paper, with calligraphy on the envelope and sealing wax with an embossed initial. I wrote those back in high school, so I know the effort involved. Yet it stirred me. Enough that I have gone back to read the text three times. Four.

Our daughter in law flew with her husband across the continent to be part of the Marriage Conference. She is attentive enough to know that the event is close to my heart. And of all the reasons that compiled enough of a tipping point for them to schlep bags, take off their shoes at security, hunt for a good deal on a rental car, and take off work early, she wanted to see us in action. 

Excuse me while I get a tissue. 

A friend whose husband is a highly successful attorney once told me that in thirty years of him trying cases, she has never gone to watch. At first the obstacles came in the form of small children, and then the hectic schedule of teenagers. But habit slipped in after that, and she forgot to even consider it. 

There were years when I bowed out of John's barbershop concerts. I had mixed feelings about a hobby that competed with family time, and well, I had the small children excuse on my side too. Until I didn't. 

Seeing the person you love fully engaged in what lights them up is sacred ground. Drawing a picture, singing a song, whacking a ball around are all chances to peer into what the person we love loves.