I guess this as good a name for this post as any. My Grandpa T. would have been 91 today, which is amazing to think about. Wow! He lived a very long and full life though and left us the night before Thanksgiving just about 5 years ago after having visions of Jesus and other family members of ours who had passed away.
I guess I am thinking back to those Novembers in 2006 and 2007 when my Grandpa S. and Grandpa T. passed away just about a year a part because we are coming up on All Saints Day. I have been working to compile the list of loved ones and friends of Cross of Hope who have passed away to have read on Sunday. All Saints is such a meaningful day. It's interesting to think about why that is for me, because I can't really place it. But, I have always held that day of the church year with utmost respect because its a day not only to remember and celebrate, but also a day to know that we are part of cloud of witnesses from the generations to the present. It's also a day where we are directly confronted with both the fragility of this life, and the hope and promise of the life to come.
I have also been thinking about my grandpas the past couple days, because two of my closest friends lost a grandparent over the weekend. I hold Ben up as he remembers and celebrates his grandpa, and I hold Jeremy up as he remembers and celebrates his grandma. Guys, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family. You know I am here for you whatever you need.
One of the passages read at Grandpa's funeral was 2 Timothy 4:1-8, and I trust it can be read and deeply believed and affirmed for many of us in thinking about our loved ones who have departed us. Let's close with these words from 2 Timothy 4:6-8:
"As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
Monday, October 29, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
Fall in Little Norway
This past week, I have had the chance to spend some time back "home," by myself. (Well, not really, see I have shared the home I grew up in with two dogs, two cats, and a bird. We make for an interesting group).
It's been strange to be the only human here all week. It's been strange to be away from Allison for a week. This is now officially the longest we have been a part since getting married. I have missed her terribly! To pass the time I have tried to be productive on church work, work for the firm I am interning for, and doing some other consulting work while here. I think I have been somewhat productive.
The point to this post though is I guess I realize that wherever my wife and I are together, is truly my home now. That means that for now the Twin Cities are really my home. I really haven't called Poulsbo my day to day home for nearly 7-years since I left for PLU in 2005. It's kind of surreal. It's nice to see that Poulsbo hasn't stopped growing, but its also nice that it hasn't lost its charm either. There is just something about this place which can make it a nice place to get away and breathe for a bit to center oneself. I think that's how I have let it treat me this week. I am hoping that when I return to Minnesota tomorrow I will be more: centered, focused, and assured. The job hunt continues, but doors and opportunities continue to open. God's leading us, and we're making ends meet. I have no idea what the next chapter is really going to look like, but the one we are in right now is certainly exciting.
I could say that I am concerned, depressed, and stressed about not having a full-time job yet. But you know what, I would be lying if I did. I have this bizarre sense of calm now that it's all going to work out. Maybe this is really what a sense of abundance feels like? I know God's here with us, and even though I am not sure where we are heading in this wilderness time, I know God is guiding us through it.
As the leaves continue to fall, and the colors continue to turn, take some time to smile and breathe in deep. Drink some hot chocolate or hot apple cider. I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I know that today, right this minute, I am loved (because Allison tells me multiple times each day) and that's really all that matters (plus Taizley and Trea are asleep on either side of me, and that's kind of comforting too). My hunch is that because you are reading this, you are loved too. (Obviously, loved by God, but probably loved by me and many others too.) Isn't that just a comforting feeling?
Peace and blessings to you on this Fall Evening from Little Norway!
[picture credits to the "Historic Downtown Poulsbo" site on Facebook]
It's been strange to be the only human here all week. It's been strange to be away from Allison for a week. This is now officially the longest we have been a part since getting married. I have missed her terribly! To pass the time I have tried to be productive on church work, work for the firm I am interning for, and doing some other consulting work while here. I think I have been somewhat productive.
The point to this post though is I guess I realize that wherever my wife and I are together, is truly my home now. That means that for now the Twin Cities are really my home. I really haven't called Poulsbo my day to day home for nearly 7-years since I left for PLU in 2005. It's kind of surreal. It's nice to see that Poulsbo hasn't stopped growing, but its also nice that it hasn't lost its charm either. There is just something about this place which can make it a nice place to get away and breathe for a bit to center oneself. I think that's how I have let it treat me this week. I am hoping that when I return to Minnesota tomorrow I will be more: centered, focused, and assured. The job hunt continues, but doors and opportunities continue to open. God's leading us, and we're making ends meet. I have no idea what the next chapter is really going to look like, but the one we are in right now is certainly exciting.
I could say that I am concerned, depressed, and stressed about not having a full-time job yet. But you know what, I would be lying if I did. I have this bizarre sense of calm now that it's all going to work out. Maybe this is really what a sense of abundance feels like? I know God's here with us, and even though I am not sure where we are heading in this wilderness time, I know God is guiding us through it.
As the leaves continue to fall, and the colors continue to turn, take some time to smile and breathe in deep. Drink some hot chocolate or hot apple cider. I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I know that today, right this minute, I am loved (because Allison tells me multiple times each day) and that's really all that matters (plus Taizley and Trea are asleep on either side of me, and that's kind of comforting too). My hunch is that because you are reading this, you are loved too. (Obviously, loved by God, but probably loved by me and many others too.) Isn't that just a comforting feeling?
[picture credits to the "Historic Downtown Poulsbo" site on Facebook]
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