Tigers and Disappointment

Today we went to the zoo as a family. This was our second zoo trip in the past two weeks. Three weeks ago we got a letter in the mail inviting us to come see the new exhibit. Deirdre was ecstatic that the tigers sent her a letter, so off we went the next day in the rain. Our sweet mother, my mother in law Pam, gifted us a year membership to the zoo so we make a point to go twice a month at least. When we got to the zoo we were shocked. Construction was still going on in the new exhibit. Personally I was in disbelief. I had combed the letter over and over again, so I was sure that  the exhibit was already open. At any rate we defiantly went over to the exhibit anyway and then saw that gate was wide open! As we strolled through the exhibit, we saw that none of the animals are out except the tapir (whom by the way is super cool). Not three minutes later were we then stopped by security and told that the exhibit was not open yet as well as that our letter was wrong. Needless to say I was angry. I would have never gone out in that weather had it not been for Deirdre and the new exhibit. We still had a great time despite the weather and soon enough, I got over it and moved on...


Today, as we later found out, was the real opening to the exhibit. The zoo was beautiful and we had so much fun. There were crafts, bounce houses, and brachiating gibbons galore! The tigers however were shy, as always. While the entire "trail of the tiger" is very well done and beautiful, the viewing area is small for the tigers with too much bamboo to really even see them. Maybe this is just a sign that we need to stop chipping away at their natural habitat since that is where they truly belong? But again I digress... 


Today was all in all a glorious day filled with special family time. Jonas is super close to walking. He was a ball of joy today as well as Deirdre! Craig and I are so blessed. 

Daily Verse: (I apologize in advance for the length of today's daily verse. These are verses that I read in my quite time that speak to me. I like to wallow in these verses all day long and return to them all week long. Peter is one of my favorite books. I really identify with Peter as well. One day I will share why I feel this way. So enjoy.)

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: ² Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. -1 Peter 5:1-9