February 7 - A Gift at 11:30am, 2:30pm, 6:30pm

1)  11:30 a.m. finds me at Family Reunion time.

Today, the 7th fell upon Sunday,

and my ears, eyes, and heart
are fixed on the preaching.

I'm feasting with family members on God's Word;

followed by a solemn time for communion with

heart inspection, confession, and renewal;

followed by the famous Pot Luck get-together in the back.

I love family time!

2) 2:30 pm presented another family reunion,

this time of mother and daughter.

It was both sweet and sour.

She is always so happy to see me,

but this time she said...
"Are you here to stay with me forever and ever? 

You are staying forever, aren't you?"

And her strong hand slips to the back of my neck,

draws me close as she kisses me

and she says "I love you" over and over.

Wow.

"I love you too, mom, yes... I love you too."

She raved about how much she loves her photo-blanket.  See her there with her four children?

I share news of family...

sister and husband now 

entering a nursing home in Montreal.

We talked about the way of life

and how it just slows down more and more.

What a good tete-a-tete we shared.

Back and forth we talked about family,

and then the subject turned to Heaven.

I am always thrilled to talk about Heaven with her

because it's an opportunity to again drive home

what she recently accepted to be Truth...

Christ, Savior of the World came

to save her, and not just the whole world.

And I hope the talk deepens her assurance

 of her not-so-far-away future in Heaven.

I left with my heart full and happy.

I always leave her presence trying to remember 

that this may be the last time I see her.

So with a lingering hug and another kiss,

I leave her to sleep.

I would have no regrets if it were the last time.

___________________________

3)  6:30 pm brings us to a quiet time of reflection.

Evening settles, and life slows down.

Photo taken by my son Frank - Lake Superior, Marquette, Michigan

And I settle for a good read, 

this time one accompanied with questions 

to help me probe a little and challenge 

what in my life might I be casually accepting

as normal and fixed...

but needs to change.

"The unexamined life is not worth living."  Socrates

So I take the time and Sunday evening is perfect.

Thanks, Father, for such a lovely day!