Month: February 2016

My amazing nephew is 19 years old today.

As I was praying for him this morning, this verse came to mind: Luke 2:40
And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

Andrew is a quiet, thoughtful person. He was that as a young boy and he remains that as his amazing self continues to develop.

He has demonstrated his brilliance in academics and his discipline in athletics. Andrew knows what it is to commit himself fully to something and give it his all.

But it is not his strong mind or daily discipline that I admire most. What I love most about this boy is his kindness, his insight and his care for others. Andrew is growing in his faith and understanding God’s call on his life in deeper and more real ways.

On the 23rd of December we have a memory dinner remembering my oldest brother on the anniversary of the night he was killed in a car accident. Len was also an Annapolis graduate and would so love that he and Andrew shared this experience. This year Andrew brought the Naval Hymn to our gathering and shared the story of how and when it is sung. It was a sweet moment of Andrew’s tender heart, leadership and love for our Eternal Father.

Verse 1: Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

And so in this year as Andrew is journeying his first year at Annapolis Naval Academy I am in awe of how has he grown from that teenage boy to a young man with purpose. He is sorting out what is next as he prepares to serve our country.  He is strong, wise, passionate, compassionate and fun. Hoping this 20th year will bring you great adventures, clarity, good friends, lots of time with your family and deep peace. I love you Andrew John. 

 

There are really two questions here….

How long is your table….

How tall is your fence…

I believe that as I am living life in my mid 40’s I am learning about my table and my fences. I used to believe that I should be all about the length of my table and in that I lost sense of myself. I have invited people to my table who took advantage of me and it took me some life lessons to learn that there is a place for fences (boundaries). But overall, I am more interested in extending the length of my table than the height of my fences.

And so, as you live in the abundance of what you have been given, consider where you desire to grow? What does it look like to extend the length of your table? Where have your fences become barriers as opposed to healthy protection. Where do you feel curious about exploring the phrase if you are more fortunate than others….

My journey over the last years has invited me to consider where being more fortunate is an opportunity to offer generously…

My journey over the last years has invited me to consider where being more fortunate has actually become a hinderance or hurdle to relationships…

It is my hope that my table will always be longer than my fences are high.

 

 

 

That is exactly what my 20 year old niece is doing.

Today is Anneliese’s 20th birthday. Anne has always been the quiet sibling in the midst of four noisier ones. Anne has often loved animals more than people, and would rather hang out in the barn than with a group of peers. Anne has always been the one who was even keeled, mild tempered and full of thoughts, ideas and passion that wasn’t often shared.

Well, let me tell you that this niece of mine is likely made the greatest transformation in her later teen years and is entering her 20’s fully alive.

Anne never lacked confidence or brilliance or a well developed stance on what she thinks or believes. She has been a delight and a delightful mystery at times, but no matter what, she has always brought joy.

And then at age 19 she wanted more. She was growing in her faith and in seeking God. So this past September her and her cousin (my other amazing niece) left to participate in Youth with a Mission. I am catching glimpses of how this experience is changing her and I love every minute of it. Anne is growing in her faith, in her boldness in her vulnerability and in her leadership.

Anne, you are on a beautiful and amazing journey. You are encountering so many new situations and growing with grace as you offer your heart and kindness to people in different parts of the world.  I am proud of you and will continue to pray that God will show you how big and great and mighty He is as well as how much He holds the intricate detail of your travels, your needs and cares about everything that your heart holds. I am proud of you and believe that your 20’s will be a wild and wonderful adventure. I love you Annelise and will be one of your biggest cheerleaders with every step you take. I love this picture of the ship you are living on as you enter your 20th year. This picture makes me think of you and Liv resting in the Vastness of God’s Beauty and Creation. It is so amazing and so right at home with your hammocks hanging. Enjoy it fully. Happy Birthday!