May 14, 1938, I entered this world in Long Beach, California. As Dr. Seuss said, “Oh, the places you’ll go!” And I did! This past year is illustrative of that. One year ago we were packing for our move to Lufkin, Texas. We sold our home in Albuquerque, in one weekend. The next week we found, made an offer, and were in the process of buying the home we are now in. Thank you God.
We are in a good place. We are 25 miles from Tanya’s sister and our brother-in-law, JD. We are close enough to do things with them, such as meals, enjoying Melanie’s choral performances, going with them to Tyler to participate in JD winning best-of-show for one of his paintings, and just “hanging out.”
We have a new church, just 20 miles away. There we have friends we’ve known for fifty years, we’ve established new friends, we have a home group we lead, great preaching, and excellent praise and worship. However, we’re not sure if this is the church God wants us in for the long haul. We also attend a home group that’s affiliated with another church. There we have really fine folks that we connected with quickly. The introduction was provided by a couple whose wife we’ve know since our days in Nacogdoches, 50 years ago. The first meeting was in a home we met in one-year ago. Yesterday we were notified in a group email that the host husband died suddenly. We are in a collective state of shock and grief. Thank you Jesus, our hope is in you. Thank you Holy Spirit for your comfort.
This morning I read a blog about Redwoods, by Michael Sprague, a chaplain. He wrote that If you cut through a tree you’ll see the inner rings. These rings show the growth of the tree and the impact of life upon the tree. There are years of great growth. There are years of drought and insect infestations. If you could look inside the rings of our lives, similarly much would be revealed. Our stories may include dark rings of tragedy, hardship, suffering, loss, grief, sadness, and doubt. Likewise we might find growth, prosperity, gladness, and fruitfulness. Through all of this, God has promised never to leave us or forsake us.
Tanya and I are blessed. This past year has been a year in which we have been pruned, once again. The soil in which we live has been plowed. And once again God has transplanted us. May we bear much fruit for the Kingdom is our prayer.
Until next time I pray for you Grace and Peace.
Spiritual Wanderings 