Saying Goodbye

This past weekend our family visited some friends in Detroit that we had not seen in a long time, over a year and a half. It was great to catch up, see our kids playing so well with their kids, sharing some great food, and reflecting on how much life changes with each passing year. It is amazing to see how our shared bond in Jesus Christ sustains and brings continual life to our friendship with them. We had some other friends from years past stop in on Saturday night and once again, enjoyed seeing all that God does and recognizing how quickly that times passes when you are not looking.



Then on Sunday afternoon we were able to get an impromptu family gathering together with my two sisters, my mom and my grandparents which will probably be our final time seeing them before the move. This also was a very enjoyable time. My sister Katie and brother-in-law Kent are expecting their first child this June and it is wonderful to see them awaiting the little arrival. They are going to be great parents as they have proven themselves caring for their "horse of a dog" Neo, these past years. We are going to miss not being as involved in their child/children as they have been involved in our kids lives these past 7 years. They prayed for us and blessed us with their excitement, sadness, and open-handedness for God's leading in our lives.



My other sister Heather and her family also joined us and have been going through some hard times these past several years. Bob has had some unexpected health problems, combined with the downturn in the economy has had a direct impact on their family's financial well being. In the midst of it all however, Heather and Bob have grown close to God and learned to trust in Him all the more. They are still in serious financial difficulty, but Julie and I are both proud of them and admire the way in which they have handled the struggles they have faced.



My grandparents were/are great, praying for each of our family units before the evening ended. Grandpa is so faithful to pray for and with his children and grand-children and great grand-children. Julie and I are always touched by their prayers for and faith in God's best for our lives. We love them dearly and thank God for such a strong spiritual heritage and diligent prayers on our behalf.



Finally my Mom...who will be giving up her son again 16 years after giving me up the first time when I left for the Marines. We are only traveling to St. Louis, but with her health and traveling limitations, it will be a while before she sees us or her grand-children again. It was so sweet and sad to see her tears as I brought little Ezekiel over for a good bye kiss. My mom and I are so different that it is hard for me to know how she thinks and feels about things, though I know she is sad about our leaving further away than we currently are. Yet our kids will call, write, send pictures, be on the blog...utilize all the technology there is today to keep in touch over long distances.



Julie and I have said "good bye" before and we may have to say it again, who knows? What we are so thankful for is the grace of God by which we may have had a positive and encouraging impact on friends and family's lives during our time together. I have had a lot of "good byes" in my life and each time I remind myself that for those who have chosen to follow Jesus as we have, the wonderful time we have shared here on this earth will just be a down payment for what we shall have for all of eternity once this life is over. This is one of the greatest hopes for a follower of Jesus Christ, that the investment into people will never be lost in a recession or economic downturn. But rather it will grow with compound interest as we pray for, encourage, challenge when necessary, and hold onto the hope of the life to come with all the wonderful "image (of God) bearers" (Gen 1:27-30)whom we have had the privilege to journey this path alongside.

To all of you who read this and are part of this blessed community of brothers and sisters...thank you so much for your involvement in our lives. We do look forward to that day when we will celebrate joyously together without the worry of an evening or setting sun bringing our time to an end.