The Grand Finale...Sweet Memories, Bittersweet Endings, and A Page is turned...

You know those moments that bring about every different kind of emotion, from happiness, to sorrow, to pride, etc... and provoke tears of joy, celebration, and sadness all at the same time..... ok, so maybe thats just women, and our ability to spaghetti, and think about 10 different things at once, all of them raising up various feelings, and somehow, all are intertwined....or maybe thats just me, and the craziness of my mind, and my own little world.....anyway,  I definately had one of those "moments", all day yesterday.  It was my 24th birthday, and we got to celebrate with dear friends, games, and a Baskin Robbins ice cream cake the night before, and Wally's Senior night, the last basketball game at home as a Texas Tech Red Raider.  It started off reading the article in the Lubbock AJ about "Love and Basketball" (Check it out if you haven't, its great)...the article highlighted Wally for Senior Night.  We both got interviewed and had a blast getting to reminisce about such a great chapter in this adventure we get to share together called life.  I got to brag about my husband and how awesome he is, his perserverance on and off the court, his encouragement to everyone he is around, and what a great influence he has been to this team!  I thought I would share some more thoughts, and maybe include some that didn't make the article too...

Its so strange how in one sense, how were ready to move on and "turn the page" to a new chapter in our lives, find jobs and begin careers, move to a new place (maybe), form new relationships, etc...  but in another sense, we never want to leave this place we are in right now.  God has truly blessed us richly, and we are thankful!  Although its not fun to be uncomfortable and not know the next move, or what God has in store for us, we know He will provide and lead us every step of the way!

Wally and I both mentioned how we feel God is teaching us both about having faith, depending on Him and not ourselves, and trusting Him with the results and outcome in everything.  So often, I want to grab ahold of things with a tight grip, and not let go.  I worry and become anxious, but am constantly reminded (and Wally does a great job of reminding me of this too) that I am not in control, God is.  I can try my best and give my all, but whatever happens is for the best, and does not happen on accident.  Nothing is a surprise to God, and everything is for His divine purpose.  So many times I use the worlds definitions of success and failure.  I only consider things successful if they happen according to what I planned... I want my way (but don't we all).   I have to constantly be reminded to not just see things through my perspective, but realize there is a bigger picture.

Wally's experience on the basketball team illustrates this lesson perfectly.  The world looks at the stats sheet, minutes played, points scored, etc for success...however, I see Wally's impact and his time here goes way beyond that....it was successful, not according to the world, but his influence, encouragement, and ministry on the team made an impact for the kingdom.  I admire Wally for his perserverance and endurance, and for living out his favorite scripture, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.  Wally has been relentlessly intentional with his teamates...road-game bible study, praying after every game and practice, or simply encouraging them when they were down or having a rough day...



David Tairu, one of Wally's teamates and a wonderful man of God, showed selflessness perfectly be stepping down, so Wally could get the start on senior night.  As Wally stepped off the floor for the final time, David looked at him and said, "I love you, brother", and Rob Lewandowski (our 6'10" child haha) embraced Wally in a huge bear hug.  It is in moments like this that makes you realize, this was all worth it, sore muscles, blood, sweat, endless hours in the gym....  The success of an incredible, unforgetable grand finale, with 15 points, and the crowd chanting your name, what an amazing experience, that God was so gracious to give, but it will quickly fade away, but developing relationships and expanding the kingdom, they will last forever!

We are surrounded by family and friends that love and support us in everything we do, and have formed us into the people we have become today.  Thanks so much for cheering us on this journey.  We love you all so much!

Love,
Micah

Enjoy some pics from such a fun night....