10 days ago, the 5th, I celebrated my 53rd birthday. What does one think about when blowing out one more candle (OK there were no candles, why there wasn't even a cake specially made for me!) Maybe birthday parties are just for kids and when we reach those special numbers: 60 would be next for me.
I'm hardly complaining though; the highlight was enjoying family at Spaghetti Warehouse Sunday evening April 6 with Julie, Brad, Kelly, Erik, Laura, Allie, Kyle, Lisa, Kristi and Adam. This celebrated what I'm so joyous and thankful for: family time. Each time Julie and I reflect on being with the children, and the families they are becoming, we remind ourselves we must continue to keep this a priority.
Another birthday highlight was spending the 5th with 25 men at the Camp Luz men's retreat. I led the input time choosing 4 different highlights from the Jacob story:
1) deceive theme which threads itself throughout the Jacob narrative (the name Jacob means "deceiver) How we too deceive, manipulate, connive in order to get our way and be in control -- ouch!
2) awareness of God's presence; when Jacob wakes up he realizes he has seen God! What is necessary for us to see God?
3) the joy of forgiveness - Jacob claims to have seen God when he and Esau reconcile. Jesus forgives us - there we see God; Jesus says we are to forgive others and seek the forgiveness of others ... their lies the joy we long for as believers.
4) embracing change because we have seen God. Jacob became Israel, "struggles with God." Can we embrace our struggles with God, and people, as healthy, life-giving and hope.
I was personally challenged through the worship, fellowship and Bible studies of the weekend.
You would be blessed to hear Emmylou Harris' song, Calling My Children Home. I sob. It's a song about precious family memories.
ReplyDeleteWas thinking favorably of you and your interview on Tuesday.
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