The First of Many Firsts

Mom, Walter and Oreo just drove away after a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.  We couldn't ask for a better visit with the cousins as we adjust to the absence of our "12th Man".  (Sorry Aggie fans!  We've always been a group of 12 and several occasions this holiday kept us recounting the number of our immediate family.)  There were many times when I thought, "Dad would LOVE this", including his teenage grandkids up until nearly 2:00 every night having a ball together.  He would have been in the middle of the action for sure.  Still, there were other times when I know Dad would have had a fit.  Our late arrival to a family Thanksgiving gathering gave us a good laugh!  We were responsible for "kid drinks" and we showed up with hot, GENERIC sodas, a cooler and some ice.  This would not have been tolerated!  We had to enjoy the lack of stress surrounding our failure.  While the grandkids loved every minute of their time together, we received several comments from our girls, "This is boring."  When we responded with how relaxing it was, someone came back with, "Way too relaxing!"  Dad kept them moving, sugared up and generally unattached to hand held devices.  We allowed them to be sedentary and we put no limits on time with eyes locked to multiple forms of technology.  I tried very hard to surround the grandkids with "reminders of Grandpa", but found it painfully obvious, while drinking a Bloody Mary, that these fun things and memories don't capture the essence of his strong presence in our midst.  There was a gaping hole.  Dad would be so proud of Mom as she continues her loving role in the family with strength, perseverance and grace.  We are so thankful for the blessing she is to all of us and we are grateful for such an enjoyable and comforting Thanksgiving surrounded by family. 

Missing Zambia

Four months after my return from Lusaka, Zambia, the vivid images are fading and and the ache in my gut is nearly gone.  This kills me!  While being surrounded by so many "1st world problems" (no i-phone, limits on use of make-up, sisters borrowing clothing) I find myself longing for that land and for some interaction with my joyful, content and generous Zambian friends.   I'm praying for an opportunity to return to the schools of Lusaka, but I'm becoming convinced that 2013 is not the time for our family.  Two days ago, I brought home over 100 books from our book fair (purchased with funds raised by students and families from Ridgeview Elementary) to ship on a crate to Africa.  It hit me that I will not be able to see the reaction of the children as they enjoy this blessing and luxury next summer and I will NEVER forget the beautiful faces of the students, who seemed as if they were in a trance, while listening to stories being read aloud.  I'm certain these books will enrich their classrooms for many years and I look forward to reading aloud to them again some day! 

Greatness Points to the Lord

As our family anticipates the upcoming debut of the movie Les Miserables, I'm struck with the anticipation of something wonderful, almost other worldly, like this story coming to film.  So much of life in this world is surrounded by an infatuation or awe with things that amaze and inspire us.  This hits home each day while driving east to work during the splendor of the morning sunrise and then driving west with a display of a glorious sunset.  I'm convinced that greatness directs my eyes to God and beyond this world.  Quite often, life includes endurance and forbearance (grit and humility).   Yet, there are these sign posts each day that remind us that this world is not the "end-all-be-all" and that there is greatness, beauty and peace beyond our imagination in Christ our Lord.



"That you may know.......what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.  And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all."  Ephesians 1: 19-23