WALKING THROUGH LIFE TOGETHER (May 19 - May 26, 2017)

Once again, we took to the air and our standby status posed no problems.  We flew out of
Indianapolis, Indiana, between early morning thunderstorms and landed in Saginaw, Michigan, where the temperature was a "balmy" 43 degrees.  This would be a week of reunion with four other couples with whom we had shared college life over 50 years ago at Olivet Nazarene College in Kankakee, Illinois.
Gene and Judy Smith met us at the airport, and we drove north to Boyne Falls, Michigan, and the Boyne Mountain Resort.  Before the week was over we were joined by Fred and Linda Hall, Bryan and Rosie Solomon, and Ken and Linda Moore.

Day trips were spent visiting places with names like Petoskey, Boyne City, Charlevoix, Ironton, and Kalkaska.  Venues included places like Dead Man's Overlook, Castle Farms, Kilwin's Chocolate Factory, the Bay View Retreat Center, and the Ironton Car Ferry.  Much food was consumed and many table games played,

There were both times of "laugh so hard you cry moments" and "pause while choking back tears moments".

It was a time for remembering and a time sharing what the Lord has done in your life.  It was a time to talk about what it means to be "older" and a time to talk about the grandchildren.  It was a time to "rejoice with those who rejoice" and to "weep with those who weep."

It was a time to cherish.


REFLECTIONS

As we travel through our lives, we develop relationships with various people.  Some become acquaintances, some become friends, and a few become lifetime friends.  It is hard to tell what makes some move from one level to the next, they just do.  Those lifetime friends become a vital part of our living, of our journey.  They are there in the victories with their cheers, and they are there in our defeats with their tears.  They are there!  Even when you don't see them for years, or don't talk to them for weeks, you know they are there.  They are your support, your rocks.

I value the relationships with my family, don't misunderstand me. Those who share my blood are special,, and my love for them undeniable.  But the fact is that they have no choice.  They are my family, like it or not.  That is one of the big differences with life- long friends....they have chosen to stick with me, to support me with actions and prayers, to be there should I need their support.  They are a part of my life because they chose to be.

I trust that you are blessed with such folks in your life, people who have chosen to be your friends.  Love them, pray for them, cherish them while you can, for someday they will, like us all, pass from this life to the next,, and our earthly visits will cease.

I am thankful that I had this week and trust that there will be several more to come.  Maybe there's someone you need to call today.  Maybe there's someone who just needs to know that you call them friend.  Be blessed and remember that, for the Christ-follower, the BEST IS YET TO COME.

SPRING FAMILY MERRY GO ROUND ( APRIL 29 - MAY 18, 2017)

We left South Carolina for Indiana and made every flight with no difficulty.  So far, flying standby has not been a problem.  We left behind the ocean and beach for the warmth of family in both Indiana and Missouri.  It was a little bit like being on a merry-go-round!

First, in Indiana, we enjoyed soccer matches (Adelyn) in Westfield, Indiana, where she even managed to score a smooth goal off a corner kick and a Volleyball Tournament in Indianapolis (Abigail) where her team won its division, and she made some outstanding plays.  Oh yes, did I mention that the Soccer game and the Volleyball Tournament were on the same Saturday about 40 miles apart?

Next, after a few days at the cabin and visiting Sherry's mom, it was jump a couple of planes (no problems) and end up in Battlefield, Missouri with Aaron's family.  Austin was graduating from High School, so it was getting things ready for an Open House.  Christian had his 14th birthday so a trip to Orange Leaf in Springfield was in order.  Also, Justin and Austin had a band concert the night before all but one of the four grandsons left with Aaron and Jennifer for Olivet Nazarene University.
 .

Now, with all but Ethan gone, it meant early morning, 15 mile trips taking him to his school in Republic, as well as making sure he was good to go for his sixth grade band concert.  Attending the concert was an awesome experience.

That just left church on Sunday morning, an afternoon High School graduation service at Missouri State University, and a 4 hour Open House back in Battlefield.  We are so proud of Austin!  He has grown into a wonderful young man of faith.  Talented and humble, I believe that our Lord has some great plans for him.  He will mark the third generation of Dicers at Olivet Nazarene University, and I know he'll make us proud.

Up at 3 a.m. the next morning, we retraced our flight path and arrived back in Indiana in time for Abigail's Orchestra Concert.  As I write this blog I must confess that I am ready for a long nap but now it's down to Bloomington, Indiana to see Sherry's mom for the day, pack up for our three week adventure in Michigan with friends, and catch a 5:30 a.m. flight to somewhere.

REFLECTIONS

Whew....I got warn out just writing this piece!  Round and round we went from place to place, from activity to activity, from game to game, from concert to concert.

It reminded me of several things.  It reminded me that I am perhaps too old for all of this, and that parents have a real challenge to juggle schedules and plans to make it all happen for the benefit of their children.  I really don't know how they do it!  I thought that it was hectic when we had kids at home but, somehow, it seems more frantic now.  I applaud all you who make it happen for your families these days.  You are special.

It reminded me that, although it is a "go round", it is a "Merry" one. Don't get so wrapped up in the logistics and craziness that you miss out on the merriness! Enjoy these days as parents and grandparents.  Be merry, and let the kids by merry.  Don't push too hard, don't demand too much.  Just have fun with them while they have fun playing the game or the instrument.  Enjoy every moment.  Be Blessed.