First Sunday Back
It was an awesome day yesterday. I slept a solid 8 hours, got ready to preach and then went and had a special prayer time for a new East Campus Pastor, John Thomas. It was his first Sunday at the church, and I am grateful to have him on board. I then preached at that service on Proverbs 3:1-12, and drove across town to preach at the 10:30. I don't know how smoothly both sermons during the AM and PM were delivered yesterday, but it sure felt good to be back at work. I am overwhelmed with gratitude to our church and our family and our Savior.
Probably the highlight for me was walking in at the West Campus and seeing my father-in-law, Jim, sitting with James. Kimberly and the girls and my mother-in-law, Nancy, were getting some rest at home. But James came with Jim to church. I almost lost it on a couple of occasions, with him in one arm, and the other raised in praise as we sang "In Christ Alone."
I am grateful that the kids have two sets of wonderful grandparents. When I got off of the plane Saturday night I hugged Jim, and we both began to cry like prom queens. I think it was a combination of factors; like, I was exhausted (27 hour trip with four kids who don't speak your language), he is an amazing father of four, and he has really went out of his way to come to our home and make some home improvements for us. He is going back to work today but coming back on Thursday.
But Sunday even got better in the pm for me. The girls were trying to get a nap around 3:00 and I was headed back to the office. James met me coming down the steps, holding his Jesus Story Book Bible. I drew a picture of the church and said that I had to go back to church. But he pointed to himself insisting that he go with me. When we got out to the garage, he accidently saw his new bike. I told him that he could stay and ride it and that I wouldn't be back for about 4 hours. But he insisted that he go to church with me. After sitting in my office with me, he walked out holding his toy cell phone, bottled water, and Bible... the same three items that I was holding.
This morning I woke up at 4:00 AM. At about 6:30, the girls came busting in our room playing with Titus and trying on all of momma's shoes. It was cool because I made them give me a kiss everytime they wanted to try a pair on.:)
Probably the highlight for me was walking in at the West Campus and seeing my father-in-law, Jim, sitting with James. Kimberly and the girls and my mother-in-law, Nancy, were getting some rest at home. But James came with Jim to church. I almost lost it on a couple of occasions, with him in one arm, and the other raised in praise as we sang "In Christ Alone."
I am grateful that the kids have two sets of wonderful grandparents. When I got off of the plane Saturday night I hugged Jim, and we both began to cry like prom queens. I think it was a combination of factors; like, I was exhausted (27 hour trip with four kids who don't speak your language), he is an amazing father of four, and he has really went out of his way to come to our home and make some home improvements for us. He is going back to work today but coming back on Thursday.
But Sunday even got better in the pm for me. The girls were trying to get a nap around 3:00 and I was headed back to the office. James met me coming down the steps, holding his Jesus Story Book Bible. I drew a picture of the church and said that I had to go back to church. But he pointed to himself insisting that he go with me. When we got out to the garage, he accidently saw his new bike. I told him that he could stay and ride it and that I wouldn't be back for about 4 hours. But he insisted that he go to church with me. After sitting in my office with me, he walked out holding his toy cell phone, bottled water, and Bible... the same three items that I was holding.
This morning I woke up at 4:00 AM. At about 6:30, the girls came busting in our room playing with Titus and trying on all of momma's shoes. It was cool because I made them give me a kiss everytime they wanted to try a pair on.:)
posted by Tony Merida at
7:46 AM
2 Comments:
If you think of it from James' point of view....how awesome you are! He has lived in substandard conditions all of his life. You come and receive him and his siblings. You all enter this country with its luxuries that are taken for granted by most. And then he watches you address a multitude of people that come to their feet at your arrival. It's almost like You yourself are a famous, savior-type figure in his eyes. It's like WOW! I'd be carrying a bible, a bottle of water, and a cell phone too. Now, I know you are humble and I am not taking credit away from the real saviour, our LORD, that you spoke of yesterday. But just be James for a minute! WOW. May God bless you all!
I love it!! Ian says that the reason children sleep so well is because they have no worries....how are YOU sleeping these days?? I am here to tell you it is all worth it! KB
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