Vision

We slept in today, which was ultimately good for all of us for various reasons, one of them being an immanent trip and a long drive ahead.  Today was a bit of a catch-up day in ways, as we were all getting prepared for the trip and packing what had not been packed yet.  This includes DVDs, podcasts, board games, and of course new clothing and swimsuits too.  We're pretty much ready to go by morning, hopefully not forgetting anything this time.  We don't usually forget anything major, but the running joke is that there is always that one little thing that we all hit our foreheads and groan, "Oh, man.  Forgot that!"

We were getting the crew of the Jolly Roger assembled today, including their costuming.  Tomorrow is shaping up to be another great day at KidPak, and immediately following that, the plan is to drive south.  We're not far how south, but we'll find out soon enough.  The sleep we've been getting lately gives us a potential to make it actually all the way, but again, we'll see how it all works out.

While at the office, Madison starts watching "Age of Ultron," a movie we finished at home later on - it's a long movie.  She enjoyed it, and is officially now in the "Age of Marvel," watching all these "older kids" movies with Mommy and Daddy.  Between now and Summer Xtreme, it's pretty much assured that she'll be watching all the Marvel movies, although obviously not other series like "Daredevil."

Anyway, we're all pretty busy here, and wanting another good night's rest as well.  We'll read more from Exodus, and then our devotional, and of course another chapter or two from Jack Sparrow's adventures in "The Dance of the Hours."  We're approaching the new books, the ones we haven't read before that Madison got for Christmas.  We'll start those in Florida.  So goodnight for now, and until then, because we're in the "Age of Marvel" now with Madison, here's the devotional entry that Daddy wrote for the character of Vision.
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“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Proverbs 29:18 KJV

VISION

     One of the most powerful members of the Avengers is an android.  Created by Ultron, this android’s name is Vision, and he was created to force perfection upon the world.  If you were not perfect, you didn’t belong on earth.  In other words, if you were human, you were doomed! 

     Of course, that didn’t happen.  When fellow Avengers Tony Stark and Bruce Banner captured Vision, they were able to convert him not only into one of the good guys, but also a valuable part of their team.  They knew he could serve, help, and save the world.

     Ultron was disgusted with what Vision became.  Listen to his conversation with his creation.

ULTRON: Stark asked for a savior, and settled for a slave.

VISION: I suppose we're both disappointments.

ULTRON: [laughs] I suppose we are.

VISION: Humans are odd. They think order and chaos are somehow opposites and try to control what won't be. But there is grace in their failings. I think you missed that.

ULTRON: They're doomed!

VISION: Yes... but a thing isn't beautiful because it lasts. It is a privilege to be among them.

ULTRON: You're unbelievably naïve.

VISION: Well, I was born yesterday.

     Other than Jesus himself, no one is perfect, and no one ever will be.  Our sins and mistakes are part of who we are.  That doesn’t excuse the fact that they happened.  No, we must confess, repent, and find grace in those failings.  But don’t spend too much time looking back upon your imperfections.

      No, instead, look ahead.  Because of what Jesus has done, it is as if you were born yesterday.  You can have a clean record because of His grace.  It’s time to stop being a disappointment, and instead get a vision of where God wants you to be. See the power of following His word:  serving, helping, and saving the world.