Calendars and Memories

I met the Pierce family 37 years ago.

I was a terrified 17 year old who was in love with their handsome son.

They welcomed me and one year later made me family.

I'm sure that you, like me, mark the passage of time by remembering "what we were doing last year at this time."

Over the years we traveled over the river and through the woods to G & G for our Thanksgiving Christmas.

I like to think about the many experiences from carsick kids to The Music Man to "one more Barney," which is how we answered the question "how much longer"?

From sleeping toddlers to grouchy kids to arguing teens who were great at making us feel like we were the unreasonable ones ... we made the yearly trek to celebrate family.

I remember the Thanksgiving prior to Josh deploying as a Marine. I could feel the pride and concern that emanated from G & G. I blinked my eyes and we were celebrating Thanksgiving with our own Marine son deployed. I don't think I will ever forget the skype call and how thankful I was so see his face and hear his voice.

There were years of undercurrents of sorrow and obvious joys. There were missing family members that lived too far away, were too sick to travel, or couldn't get the time off and we enjoyed celebrated times of marriages, new babies and accomplishments of education and advancing careers.

And the thread of a strong legacy of redemption, forgiveness and dedication to Jesus is woven in and around and throughout the lives that began with one man and one woman who love each other and determined to serve God in plenty and in want.

G & G teach us with words, actions, tears and prayers. We have learned what the love of Christ looks like by what they have modeled for us.

No one likes how the passage of time changes our lives. If we could, we would put our families in a holding pattern and enjoy the sweet times until Jesus returns.

I love looking back at God's faithfulness over 37 years. I love thanking Him for making me a Pierce. I feel the responsibility to continue the legacy of dedication to Jesus in plenty and in want.

And I love knowing God is faithful with our futures. Life changes and holding patterns are not possible. But, we have the wonderful gift of THIS MOMENT, to hold in our hands ... to cherish ... and to add to the calendar of memories.

Thank You, LORD, for the wonderful gift of family.

A Man Called Ramsey

He reminded me of my dad from the moment I met him.

Was it because he wore his hair in the same way?

Was it because he spoke his  mind?

Was it because he had a soft place in his heart for kids?

Mr.Ramsey left this world today. He stepped from a hurting, broken, sick body of 87 years old into the perfect presence of the One He loved and served.

His legacy is a family full of love for each other and Jesus.

The work of his hands is scattered all over this town and his church. He could lay tile to perfection.

I had immense respect for the man who stepped up and helped me in children's ministry as best he could. Several years, until his health no longer allowed, he was part of our security team during Vacation Bible School. He was always the first one there.

The children know him for the lollipops and bear hugs. Many sought him out because it was important to them to get a "Mr.Ramsey bear hug" every Sunday morning. I know that what he did for the children goes beyond hugs. You see, the faithful love he showed week after week after week after week spoke Jesus to the children. Our kids learn the love of God through us before they experience it for themselves.

I had immense respect for him because he wanted whatever was done to be done right. There were times I felt chastised by him. It was to make me better, not to tear me down.

I suppose, in my heart, I will continue to see him walking up the steps near the preschool welcome desk. I will hear him ask me if I added another step since last week. I'll remember him saying "I didn't get my hug today."

I hurt for those nearest to him, for his absence will fill the room. He poured his life into his family and his church. I will pray for his family. I will pray for his church. I will pray for the children. I will pray for myself.

Heaven truly gets sweeter as the days go by.

I wonder, has he met my dad yet?