Glancing Backward, Leaning Forward

So much of our life is about savoring the sweetness of seeing HIM work over time across generations. Our spiritual mom Rose Marie Miller came to visit us twice this past month. Each time she called us back truths she has shared with us for decades.

Back when our kids were in Junior High sometimes their friends would come over to watch movies, sports and generally hang out. One of those kids was a blond lad named Ben. A good kid, one among several. Later on he and his dad, Josh and I were part of a father/son trip to Uganda. A few of the incidents on that trip are legendary. Later Ben entered seminary, and accepted an internship at New Life Church. It was good to see him grow. But this morning he moved me close to tears as he led the church in praying for Nancy. It is good to watch young men come of age in the faith.

After church we gathered the family to celebrate both Anne and Aiden's birthday. Anne was a teenager when she and her family began coming to our house for the night after Thanksgiving game nights we hosted here. Later she mentored KJ through her high school years. Now she and Josh have built a life together, and their marriage enriches the rest of our family.

Aiden will be four next week. He is new to our family narrative, just finding his way as he and his dad Chris are part of the new chapter for Leah and Jonah.

As I watch Nancy soaking up these special family times, I am often grateful for the joy of our life together, for how much of HIS favor we have seen thus far. Duane Davis was right this morning. HIS faithfulness allows us to look ahead, lean into the future, look for a world without sadness, or failure or even cancer. So, even as I celebrate the past I will anticipate the future. After all, the best is yet to come.

Meanwhile, tomorrow we lean into the next round of chemo.

1. Pray for the drugs to do its work in shrinking the tumors


2. Pray no nausea or high fever.


3. Pray for us to find chances to speak of our hope for the future as we encounter people along the path.