Movie & a Surprise Homecoming!!

Today was a great family day for us. After running some errands with the boys this morning, I woke up Brian who had been up most of the night talking with one of his spiritual mentors. We surprised the boys by taking them to the on-post theater and seeing the movie Tale of Despereaux. It was a really great movie that we all enjoyed. One line that really stuck out to me was "It is said that grief is the most powerful feeling but forgiveness is so much more powerful" . I know I'm not quoting it exactly but it gets the point across. It really made me think how true that is. We have experienced this many times in our family and it is so amazingly true. No matter how painful the wound or offense may have been there is a profound depth to the healing that occurs once forgiveness is given. I know the movie was for kids but it definitely has some important concepts to think upon.
Anyway, after the movie we went to the PX to pick up some items and while we were there Brian got a phone call from his friend who has been deployed for the last 6 months that he was home. We hadn't expected him until next month sometime. Brian's eyes filled with tears and we quickly purchased our items and headed to the barracks to pick him up. John and Titus were totally surprised because we had given them no idea what was going on. They were so excited to see Daddy's buddy. We have enjoyed just hanging out with him tonight and thanking God that one of our fellow warriors has returned safe and sound.