Growing Up

Last weekend, I let a Strong Bonds Retreat.  I suppose it's supposed to be called a "Training Event" now.  Apparently, the term "retreat" has religious connotations that the chaplain corp wants to avoid using.  It is frustrating when someone asks if they should bring their Bible to the class, and I have to say it's not needed.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy teaching, so the classes are fun to lead.  The problem is how wide a berth I'm expected to make around anything that is religious.  It's frustrating talking about building stronger marriages without discussing the significance of Christ within the covenant of marriage.  I've thought a lot about this over the last few days.  On Monday, I took part in a renewal of vows ceremony with a group who have been going through a Bible study on marriage with the chapel group here on SHAPE.  It is just interesting to look at the two groups and compare their approach to marriage.

Anyway, as you can see from the picture, Claire got to go swimming for the first time.  She took to the water immediately.  I'd throw her up and let her go under.  She'd hold onto my shoulders while I swam and kick while I pulled her around.  We realized how much she's growing up.  We'll soon be done with the baby phase of parenthood.