Tough week

Without going into very sad details, Luann left the hospital and is staying with my parents. Years of drug abuse (and current abuse) have left her mind scrambled. All three of her children and two grandchildren are living with my parents as well. Tough times but nothing out of the ordinary for families who do not face the truth of drug addiction and take the hard steps to combat it.

My dad's health is not good. Cancer is an awful disease and is a daily fight. My mom's health is not good either. I have no doubt their current living conditions are not helping at all but if I have learned nothing else about addiction, I have learned that you cannot control anyone but yourself.

Henry did another funeral last Monday for a woman who was in his Trenton church many years ago. It's interesting that the last two holidays he has had, he has done a funeral (January 1 and MLK day). Of course he was happy to do them but it takes me back to all the years in church ministry. I can't even begin to tell you how many family activities and vacations got postponed or interrupted because a church member needed help or was ill or passed away. I'm not sure how many people see that side of a pastor's family. If you are active in a church, please make a note of the sacrifices your pastor's family makes to be your leader and make sure they know you appreciate them. Acknowledging that will mean more than you know.

On the Kaleb front, he is a 21 month old delight who says new words every day and seems to grow by the minute. We got to babysit him and baby Luke (two months old) last night so the parents could enjoy time together. Luke's mommy and daddy lived across the street from Heather and Keith and were back in town for a short visit. After a really, really tough week at work, it was fun to be able to put things in perspective about what is really important in our lives.

As you move through this week, my prayer is that you have an awareness of God's goodness and grace in your life. Email or call any time. Love....