I am so excited about leaving in September that I don’t allow myself very much time to sit and think about who I’m leaving behind, or what I will miss while I’m gone. But the other night I worked 3rd shift and I allowed myself to think about these things and for a few minutes I began doubting whether or not I was willing to sacrifice time away from my friends and family and all the “firsts” that I will miss.
A friend and her husband from high school recently had a baby girl. Meet Abby!! Abby is 8 weeks old today! She is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! I can’t believe how quickly she is growing up, all ready!! She is no longer a cuddle bug but has found her legs, toes and fingers and is a squirmy worm!! I had a talk with Abby the other night and told her she had to STOP growing and developing until I return home because I don’t want to miss anything. She pretty much ignored me, lol.
Abby
Meet Cole!! My nephew born during training camp. He actually camp a 1 ½ weeks early so I know there is no hope of telling him to stop growing and developing while I’m gone!! I look at both of these beautiful babies and am amazed out what an AWESOME God we serve!! At the same time I am very sad when I think about all their “firsts” I will miss. First time they roll over, first time the sit up, first time they crawl, first steps…and first birthdays!! Abby and Cole will never remember whether or not I was here for these events but my heart hurts all the same.
Cole
Meet Trevor (my nephew) and Anna. Both of these kids are starting middle school this year!! That alone blows my mind at how fast they have grown up. Trevor is joining the band, I am passionate about band!! I cried when he told me because I’m gonna miss all the band concerts, and I won’t get to help him practice. I will not miss the hormones of middle schoolers!!
Trevor
If you can’t tell yet, my life honestly revolves around children!! There will be other firsts…Jordan will be a senior this year and I will miss all the excitement of college applications, college visits and high school graduation. Lauren will be a freshman in high school and I will miss driver’s education (this could be a blessing). I will miss cross country meets in the fall and soccer games in the spring. Devin will be in 5th grade, I will miss listening to him talk about video games and being completely confused but acting like I know exactly what he is talking about. I will miss 5th grade graduation! Grant will be in 3rd grade, I will miss his first year of getting actually grades and having EOGs, and baseball in the spring. But mostly I will miss “Grant and Meehan days”, something we started 4 years ago.
Devin in Honduras
Lauren, Anna, and Grant
For the first year in 28 years I won’t be home for the holidays, for birthdays, and for the small daily celebrations in life. Devin’s already told me SEVERAL times he is praying I am home for Christmas, and asked if I will skype so I can be at his birthday party. Last year for Christmas Trevor wanted a camera for the computer so we could skype when I’m gone. I will watch via skype Abby and Cole grow up. (Thankful for skype).
As I was thinking about everything I am gonna miss the tears began to flow, and I couldn’t stop them. Yep I was crying at work, looking crazy I’m sure. And then just as clear as I heard the calling to “GO” I heard my Father whisper, “My beloved daughter, calm down. Yes you will miss a lot of firsts at home BUT I have so many firsts to offer you. Already you have experienced Me in a way you never have before. The way you worship is NEW, the passion and fire I have set in your heart is NEW. You will witness the joy and excitement on My children’s faces around the world the first time they hear of Me and the unconditional love I offer them. I have asked you to leave your earthly family for a short time so that others will be able to spend ENTERNITY with Me!! I have so many FIRSTS for you, which you will only experience on the adventure I have planned for you. Dry your tears because the firsts you will experience with me over the next year are so much MORE than the firsts that you are leaving behind.” My tears turned from sorrow to joy as I mentally pictured the faces of all the children I will meet in the upcoming year who will have their firsts. Their first hugs, their first time experiencing love from another person and from the God who CREATED them.
This is a child who lived in the slums of India., I met last summer. His country didn't know he even exsisted…HIS CREATOR KNEW HIM BY NAME! This child expereinced the LOVE of his FATHER for the first time.
