Story Field.

In 2003, we unexpectedly moved back to Knoxville. We had been away for 5 years. Three in Dallas, TX and 2 outside of Athens, GA. God brought us back to Knoxville. Knoxville has been home base for us for most of our married life together. We looked at houses online as we prepared to move back to Tennessee. Lea and the boys drove to Knoxville to meet our realtor Ross Badgett. Of a list of things that we were hopeful for in a house, one that stands out today for me is that I told Lea I would love to have a back yard big enough to be able to throw football with our sons. Lea and Ross went house by house through our list of flagged homes and literally each home they went to, a contract seemed to be entered on that particular home almost simultaneous to the viewing. Lea called me in Georgia to update me with the disappointment of the unavailability of the homes that we were interested in. She and Ross then proceeded to 1412 Farrington Dr. I quickly got a phone call from Lea. "You need to get here. I think this could be it." She stood on the back deck and looked out over a rather large, deep back yard. She envisioned the football being thrown around that back yard. I believe she envisioned stories there. She envisioned Story Field.

It has been God's house for us for 15 years. We named our home Story Cottage. Cottage of stories. So many stories. And a theme emerged. Inside Story Cottage in our dining area is Story Table. Out back is Story Garden. And right next to Story Garden is....Story Field. That slightly sloping back yard has been host to many football passes, soccer goals, kick ball games, bonfires, worship nights and some gutsy fireworks displays.

November 26, 2009. A tradition is born. The above picture was taken by Lea on that date at the first annual Father/Son Thanksgiving Day football game. It happened on Story Field. It's always Trent and Trey vs. Taylor and I. Taylor and I are always the Dallas Cowboys. Trent and Trey rotate through being different teams each year decked out in actual team jerseys or ones they create by hand like in the picture. Trent and Trey have wrist bands with plays drawn up on them. They talk ahead about strategy. Taylor and I have a lot of heart. Trent and Trey usually win. Usually. We have welcomed in family and friends to play in the game throughout the years. There are sweet memories of those who have joined us, those who have cheered, those who have been concerned that I am taking it a bit too seriously.

Tomorrow at Story Field, Lord willing, is the 10th Father/Son Thanksgiving Day football game. A decade. A decade of fun, love, memories and stories. Lots of stories. Stories of loving, struggling brothers. Stories of brothers marrying beauties. Stories of a needy dad. Stories of the beauty who takes pictures and cheers and savors. Stories of a Grannie whose stories are fading in her mind. Stories of two of our dogs who have romped around the back yard during the game, Opie and Lacy. Stories of really sore bodies on Friday morning. At least mine. Story Field. A field of stories at Story Cottage. I savor sweating with these guys. I savor scheming in the huddle with Taylor. I savor actually thinking each year that Taylor and I can win. I savor watching how Trent has coached Trey up from a young boy. I savor how competitive and cocky Trey is. I savor watching Lea's beauty as she offers it profusely to those she loves. Lots of savoring on Story Field.

As I glance at those 4 men above, a younger Lacy and picture beauty behind the camera recording history, I'm quieted by His love. A heart full of remembering am I. A heart full of anticipating am I. So rich. So very rich.

Quieted by His love.

Cowboys vs...... I wonder who they'll be tomorrow:)

Thank you Papa. Thank you.

There's more.