I know nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of al his labor–it is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13. NKJV
August 9 I was invited to join in celebrating a new season/milestone adventure in my oldest daughter and husband’s life. They were installed as Senior Leaders at Celebration Foursquare Church in Renton, WA. It was my first time visiting the church so everything was new. They sure do live up to their name–Celebration! To watch my children be honored by their “new” family and the installing Foursquare Supervisor brought a deep joy and appreciation to all the prayers we have prayed over 30 + years of their being a couple. They are an unique team couple. Watching them “team” teach the message was a joy. All I could do deep in my heart, was bow my head in worship to our faithful God.
During Rosanna’s teaching time, she referenced God’s faithfulness in drawing her atheist father to Him. She shared how he began to love Jesus so much, he followed Him into ministry and how God brought us together–which produced her! Our family had the joy of celebrating God’s legacy in both her and Andrew’s lives. I am amazed at how each of their children are choosing to follow Him in their own unique ways as well. Each of Rosanna’s siblings chose to take time from their lives to come and celebrate this milestone in their sister’s lives. Another reason to celebrate.
I know I am blessed to have all three of my children, their siblings and their children choosing to walk with Him. I have too many friends who are longing for that day to happen in their children/grandchildren’s lives. Please know–we were not perfect parents. Raising pastor’s kids is not easy as they are subject to the fishbowl of the congregation. One of the things we attempted to do was not be “religious” but we authentic believers. With Darryl not being raised in church with “religious trappings” helped us avoid that trap. He loved Jesus and His ways with every fiber of his being. We No comparison, but simply trying to help them understand “what the will of the Lord is”. There are two scriptures that were the foundations of our life, one we were given during our wedding ceremony. Whatever He says to you do it. John 2:5 NKJV. And this one in Ephesians 5:19. So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Presenting God’s will as the best will for our lives encouraged our family, even in the hard hard times, to turn to Him and trust Him. Bringing our children into the battles at their level to pray with us, helped them turn to Him during their own struggles. Celebrating this win for their sister was easy because they continue to pray for each other and genuinely want each other to succeed. Every celebration–birthday, anniversary, graduation or even celebration of life involves stories. I’m choosing to bring you into our celebration because it is better to celebrate together than alone. I know some of the cost it took for Andrew and Rosanna to get to this new chapter. I celebrate their faithfulness and surrender to our Lord. Darryl and I laid the best foundation we could–always trusting our good God to do the rest.
If your family story has more heart ache than heart joy, I am sorry. That doesn’t mean God doesn’t have good plans for you and yours. Try not to compare your story with ours. Scripture encourages us to mourn with those that mourn, and rejoice with those who rejoice. I pray you find it in your heart to rejoice with us. There were many mourning days to get to this point, trust me. Keep trusting and surrendering, “not my will, but Your will, O’ Lord”, will bring you to His good place. Keep sowing love, forgiveness and obedience–they always bear good fruit. This week, along with the church installation celebration, I get to celebrate my sister’s granddaughter before she leaves for her first year of college and a friends special birthday. What a joy to celebrate others as well. In a couple of weeks I will celebrate turning another year older. I am so grateful to make it this far. I know Darryl would have been so blessed to watch the answer to prayer this past Sunday. Although I know heaven is amazing, I was so grateful I was here to celebrate with my family!
Father, I thank you for allowing me to witness this milestone in my children’s lives. The prayers, the trust the obedience they have walked through was all worth it. You have been using them for years, this is just a bigger platform. Thank you for helping my friends celebrate the good things in their lives as well! In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Faith Encounters 