There are a lot of
folks who talk about the miseries of getting older, but let me tell you there are
some joys in getting older too. One of
the fun parts of getting older is grandchildren. The early days of July provided the opportunity
for Ann and I to be together with our children, 3 son in laws, and 6
grandchildren for several days. Our
children are scattered across the country living in different states. Unfortunately, that means that all of us are together only on rare
occasions. Last week, Ann and I had the joy of being together with them.
I enjoy being a
grandparent. I have such good memories
of my own grandparents and time with them that I looked forward to the privilege
for this stage in life. It is good to
tell them stories of my past… take them fishing… play games… and simply snuggle
as they sit in my lap. I come away from
those rare times when I am with all my grandchildren exhausted yet
invigorated.
One of the greatest
joys of this time together last week was
a privilege I had as a grandpa and as a pastor to baptize my youngest
grandchild , Ezra Worth. Above you will find a picture of Ezra in the arms of his Mom, Heather, along with his Dad, Amiri, and his two sisters, Madelyn and Eloise. This picture was taken on the day of Ezra's baptism. I was
thrilled the day that his Mom, Heather,
called me to tell the news she was pregnant.
She was living with the rest of her family in the United Arab Emirates at the
time. A few weeks later, she called to
tell me news that concerned me: doctors
were concerned about the health of the unborn child. I remember beginning a season of deep prayer
for the child that grew inside Heather and for all our family not knowing what the future would hold. Heather and her family were so concerned
about this that they soon made their way back to the USA wanting the best
medical care for their child. The good
news is that all of it was a false alarm!
Ezra is a happy, healthy child.
There is a passage of
scripture that speaks to me when I think about the concern we had about the
birth and health of Ezra Worth. I
Thessalonians 5:18 declares, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this
is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
The apostle Paul wrote those words having known the reality of beatings
and imprisonment for his faith as well as dealing with a mysterious “thorn in
the flesh”. Sometimes, I give thanks
not for what is, but for what isn’t. In
this week, I give thanks that Ezra does not have a major health issue. I give thanks for the privilege to be with
children, son in laws, and grandchildren.
I give thanks that Ezra was born a healthy little boy that I had the
chance to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Can I
show you some pictures of my grandchildren?
Have a joy-filled week.- Pastor Randy Wall
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