This has been a whirlwind month. On February 5, my sister went home to be with Jesus after a long battle with brain cancer. A week later, we honored Marilyn, her life, her faith, and her family. I'm so grateful for the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Two days after Marilyn's death, our grandson Sully was born - the first child of our second daughter and her husband. We've been looking forward to meeting him face to face. They live in Michigan, over 500 miles away.
This past weekend, I preached at Northside, our three regular services - Saturday night and two Sunday morning, and then Kathy and I headed for that precious little family in Michigan and frankly couldn't wait to hold that baby boy in our arms. We arrived late - around midnight and he was already in bed. We caught a glimpse of him, and then went to sleep. The next morning, we met him and were thrilled to enjoy these past three days with family! We feel blessed to know that 16 days after he was born, we were celebrating with him in person!
As I reflect on the journey, I have have four thoughts. To get to their home, you can go the long way around the great lakes through the US - or take the shortcut and go through Canada. For the first time on this trip, we went through Canada. At the border, Kathy and I both turned our cell phones off not to incur any extra charges. For three plus hours it was a flashback to the old days. No phones, no distractions, just each other - and may I say - it was fabulous. We talked and shared stories and memories. I'm so grateful for that time. I'm so grateful for my wife.
The family part for us this month has meant saying goodbye and hello. We grieve the loss of my sister, but rejoice in knowing she is with the Lord. We welcome Sully and can't imagine all the wonderful things God will do in and through his life. To celebrate the birth of a firstborn with now yet another of our children was priceless. The trip was also fun. We bought donuts at Krispy Kreme, and coffee at Starbucks. I took my son-in-law to class at his seminary, and we visited the church where he serves as an intern and leads the junior high ministry.
We visited our daughter's workplace at Baker Books and enjoyed meals together at favorite places throughout the stay. We even got to watch our favorite Syracuse Orange beat #9 Notre Dame as I proudly wore Syracuse gear all day. Flashbacks. Family. Faith. Fun. It's been a month of extremes, but through it all God is faithful! I'm so grateful.
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