This has been a week of unusual challenges, most of them not very pleasant. However, Saturday was a celebration day, and made up for the unpleasantness of the days before.
My family celebrated with my dad his 90th birthday. We got together at the assisted living facility where he lives in northern Minnesota, my siblings and spouses, several of Dad's grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Dad's (older) brother and some of his cousins, and many, many of his friends. It was amazing to have so many family members together at the same time, though of course, impossible to spend much time with any of them. Another great blessing was to know that Dad had so many people that cared about him, and he acknowledged that he knew he was cared for. Emotional beyond words at times, but very happy, he gave us a reminder of the heritage we have.
Today, we also took Dad to a church service and received a warm welcome from more great people. The pastor challenged us, among other things, to pay close attention to our prayer lives, and this was a reminder that I needed. Living away from my family, I often feel lonely for them, and helpless to be of any use in their lives. I was reminded that I have the priviledge of prayer, and that prayer works.
The week-end went way too fast, and I am home again, tired yet refreshed, and ready for the challenges God gives me this week. Most of all, I am thankful to God for the family He placed me in, and I am looking forward to all of us having many more times together, both here on earth, and later in Heaven.
My family celebrated with my dad his 90th birthday. We got together at the assisted living facility where he lives in northern Minnesota, my siblings and spouses, several of Dad's grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Dad's (older) brother and some of his cousins, and many, many of his friends. It was amazing to have so many family members together at the same time, though of course, impossible to spend much time with any of them. Another great blessing was to know that Dad had so many people that cared about him, and he acknowledged that he knew he was cared for. Emotional beyond words at times, but very happy, he gave us a reminder of the heritage we have.
Today, we also took Dad to a church service and received a warm welcome from more great people. The pastor challenged us, among other things, to pay close attention to our prayer lives, and this was a reminder that I needed. Living away from my family, I often feel lonely for them, and helpless to be of any use in their lives. I was reminded that I have the priviledge of prayer, and that prayer works.
The week-end went way too fast, and I am home again, tired yet refreshed, and ready for the challenges God gives me this week. Most of all, I am thankful to God for the family He placed me in, and I am looking forward to all of us having many more times together, both here on earth, and later in Heaven.
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ReplyDeleteSounds like a great time. What a wonderful family celebration.
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