As with any major change in a person’s
life, reflection seems to come more easily in a season of change,
than during your usual compacted schedule. Thinking about… loved
ones… fun times… future memories, is not uncommon. In the past
week I find myself thinking a lot. A lot of sporadic, random, deep
thoughts, like a new mind set has been downloaded to my brain and it
has a mind of its own. Don’t get me wrong… its not a bad thing,
it’s just a LOT to take in. Well, to push through my writing I’ve
become aware of just what a precious gift God has given me… My
Parents. Now wait! I know that I’m not at the age were I’m supposed
to be openly admitting that most of the things my parents say are
right (I hear that that light bulb usually tuns on about the age of
30, and being about 10 years younger than that this is a pretty big
revelation), but I am. I’ve actually known this for a little while,
but what has been hitting me hard these past few days,. is how great
of a job my parents do of representing unconditional love.
Now just for the record, my parents
weren’t saved while I was growing up, and the difference between them
now and the year they got saved ( 2001) is a testimony to God’s
grace, and I cannot even imagine going through this process without
their support. This Christmas season I’ve noticed the evidence of
God’s love in my parents more that usual. For instance, take the
situation with my two cousins that live with us. When they first came
to live with us in 2003 I’m sure it was a nice gesture that wasn’t
expected to be permanent, but they have treated them like their own
kids from the beginning.Not to mention keeping up with two grand-kids too.
Then there is the situation with
Kameron, my friend that lives with us… He is in no way related to
us and when he needed someone to live with our senor year of high
school (2006), my parents were willing to let him join the family.
Not only does he live here for free while going to school, but is
introduced as an adopted son to friends and family.
Not to mention that when I told them
God had called me to go on a year long missions trip, they not only
excepted it and supported me, but prayed and fasted with me too. They
have been here every step of the way. Even when my mom lost her job
in the summer they still supported me financially, and were willing
to do anything possible to help me.
Now I know they are not perfect and
were have our disagreements some times, but I just wanted to
recognize just how much their commitment to showing God’s love has
impacted our family, and prepared the way for me to be successful in
the same. I love you Mom and Dad. Thanks.
