Yesterday morning, my son, Nick, and I went for a bike ride. As I returned home and prepared for the remainder of the day, I reviewed in my mind the events of the past year. My 32-mile ride (average 16 mph) was a no-shame ride (as Lance Armstrong would say). I felt good, not very tired but energized for the day’s activities. This is not a boast of my physical prowess, but an expression of praise for the way in which God continues to be a blessing in my life after a serious illness. In spite of the difficulties that life often brings, no day goes by without the clearest evidence that God walks with me and carries me. I can trust Him.
The highlight of 2010 was undoubtedly the wedding of our daughter, Lilly to our special son-in-law, Jason on June 20. It was a Father’s day gift that would make any Dad extremely proud. But for me, being alive to walk my daughter down the aisle was only superseded by honor of singing a song I had written for the occasion. The occasion also afforded us the privilege of reuniting with many relatives and friends. After spending a year in Memphis, Tennessee as a Clerk to a Federal Judge, Lilly moved to Texas with her husband who enrolled at Baylor University to pursue a PhD in church-state studies. Like Lilly, Jason holds a law degree, his from Harvard University’s Law School. But we aren’t truly empty-nesters yet. It is a joy to have Nick and Erin living close by! Nichole finds daily fulfillment taking care of our 2-year-old grandson, Caleb; and when Chris joins us the house is filled with the sounds of the adoring and adorable grandchildren. God is good!
With the activities of the wedding event and our visit to Atlanta to attend the Seventh-day Adventist church’s General Conference session behind us, Nichole and I took a cruise to Curacao, Aruba, Dominica, and St. Thomas – a wonderful way to unwind and relax from the stresses that life brings and the busyness of the day to day activities.
And so, we thank God for every blessing in our lives – for good health, for jobs in a bad economy, for our wonderful children Lilly and Jason, Nick and Erin, and our grandkids, Chris (almost 8) and Caleb (now two and a half. We wish you and every member of your family, all the blessings that come with the joy of Christmas and best wishes for 2011 – good health, fullness of life, and joys forevermore.
With love and blessings,
Len and Nichole
