Last Friday night was an interesting moment for me. I was home alone. That’s not always a bad thing. I love people, but sometimes solitude refuels
my soul. For some reason, Friday night
was too quiet.
My wife was headed to New Hampshire, where she and four
other ladies from Northside would lead a women’s conference for a church there. My heart is thrilled at all the ways God uses
her. I’ve been to that church and ministered
as well, and I knew they were in for a great time, and would be a blessing from
the Lord for that congregation. Higher
Ground Baptist Church is only eight years old, and already making a huge
kingdom impact.
Our youngest daughter was babysitting and would be gone for
the evening. I enjoy time hanging out
with her. Thankfully, we had an amazing
late lunch date after she got out of school and before she went to
babysit. I love her, and I cherish these
last couple of years before she heads to college. Our conversation was never more meaningful than it was over that lunch Friday.
Then I began to think about the rest of the family. There’s our Ohio family – our oldest
daughter, her husband and three of the cutest kids I’ve ever seen in my
life. Oh how I love them. I’m looking forward to seeing them in a few
weeks. There’s our Delaware family – our
son and his wife. They’ve just found out
they are expecting their first child next summer. I love them so much as well. There are days I wish Dover was just an hour
away. There’s our Virginia family – our
next daughter, her husband and their son.
I love their love for Jesus, for each other, for people and for
life. There’s not a day goes by it seems
that I don’t miss them all.
Friday night the house was very quiet. My heart was full of gratitude and
memories. It seems like just a couple of
days ago we were moving to Liverpool and they were 8, 5 and 2 with no knowledge
yet of our youngest. Humanly I was sad –
because I missed them. Spiritually – I
am grateful for all that God has done and is doing. In fact, I’m grateful beyond words.
So here is my challenge to you and to me. Cherish every day. Welcome every season. The kids come into our lives, and then they
grow up. It’s not bad it’s just
different. It’s change but I will
welcome this season as well and thank God for all he is doing in each
life. Remember this – sometimes the
quiet is the opportunity to reflect, rest and plan for the next season. God has a plan. God has a purpose. God is faithful. Praise His holy name.
