This is my blog and yet I haven’t given much personal information on it. I am not a blog-spert. I am a novice. But, I have been spending most of my “airtime” talking about God, life and Mitch. Someone asked me, do you have other children.
I have had so many people remark on their prayer for our son, Mitch, that I thought I would even the score and talk about our other wonderful children. But, I learned long ago that not many people want to hear too much about another person’s family or look at someone else’s pictures beyond the short stack. So, I’ll give just the basics. Luke, our oldest, is an outstanding father, husband, teacher and disciple of Christ. His wife, Jennifer, is a talented mom with creativity and Biblical knowledge oozing from her pores. Mitch is number two. Chelsea, his wife, is absolutely the most wonderful young woman imaginable. Samuel is number three. He is a pastor in a
Free
Methodist
Church
. He has a passion for the poor and disenfranchised, music/worship and God’s cherished missing. His wife, Christy, is one of the most capable and bright people I have ever met. She is a social worker. Our boys are 3 ½ years from oldest to youngest. Then 3 years younger is our youngest, a lovely wife and mother. Charese serves the
Free
Methodist
Church
in her employ. She is a godly young woman with a deep heart for children. She has worked with children since she was one. David, her husband is an engineer, car buff, gift from God and a fabulous father. The next generation, our grandchildren, include
Jalen
,
Jordan
, Andrew and Eli- two girls and two boys. And we are holding out for 10 more. [The last remark was for the benefit and collective groan of our children.]
I mention all of this for more than introductory purposes. I have repeatedly talked about the blessings of God through the midst of our trial. Those above (along with my wonderful wife, Marlene) are at the center of many of these marvelous blessings to which I refer. Our family is very close. Our children are great friends with one another. Their spouses are “off-the-charts” wonderful. All eight have a rock solid, deeply rooted faith in Jesus Christ and love for God and his people. They are all committed to ministry and service. The seven others have collectively been core contributors to Mitch’s joy and desire to hang around here on earth longer than expected.
I have often wondered why we are so blessed. Why would God love us so thoroughly to grant us the privilege of a family committed to God, one another and the world? With so many families that struggle with “family issues”, why would we be free from that weight? With so many families having children who have made unfortunate and painful life choices that have wounded themselves and others, why would ours be free from that painful experience? With so many families committed to the faith having a child or two who have rejected the faith in God, why would ours be so resolute in service? It is grace, pure and simple. We have had it in abundance.
There you have a little more; a family blessed by God and committed to serve him and receiving more from Him than we can ever repay. That’s His grace and our gratitude.