November 2011 Trip of Reflection
Dear Partner in Ministry
Thankful for a Trip of Reflection
Upon arrival, I was greeted with a week of unseasonably warm weather, and a beautiful setting of peak fall color! In October, I had the opportunity to visit family in Michigan. It was my mother’s 80th birthday. Also, the church where Kathy and I met as teenagers was celebrating their 60th anniversary.
We took mom out to dinner to celebrate her birthday. I asked her to look back over her 80 years and listened to her remember a decade at a time. It took a couple of hours as we listened and learned from her reflections, from being an orphan, to losing a child and so many other experiences along the way.
My sister and I planned mom’s party. She enjoyed the time, as the house filled up with family and friends. My dad’s brother, suffering from advanced Parkinson’s disease attended. He looked so much like my dad (who is with the Lord). We had the opportunity to just sit on the patio for a while. It reminded me of sitting there with my own father years ago. It was to be the last time that I would visit with my uncle, as he passed away a few weeks later.
Since our early teens, Kathy and I have been associated with our hometown church. They invested in us growing up and have supported our ministry these 30+ years. What a blessing to listen to the six decades of their history! I appreciated their transparency, as they shared how they evolved in the midst of trials and blessings.
It was also special to jog on my favorite trails that I enjoyed as a boy. The leaves falling on the trail, getting deeper and deeper by the day, took me back to my youth, revitalizing me.
This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for the gift of reflection…my mom’s, that of my church, and my own, growing up in Northern Michigan! The lesson for me was “to persevere” in life and ministry, like those who shared their reflections with me.
As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11 (NIV)
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Warmly In Him,
Sam & Kathy
