It’s funny, how as the year draws to a close, it becomes a time of reflection. Sure—the busyness and stress of the holidays starts creeping into our daily schedules—yet my thoughts are overflowing with thankfulness. We have had the privilege of visiting several places this Fall and those interactions have vividly reminded me of God’s sweet blessings. I began to notice the thread that God was weaving through all of our adventures.
- The sense of home
We were able to spend time in Ohio with family and friends. We laughed, we cried, we encouraged, and we made memories. It was a reminder that life is short and that we must be thankful for those special moments—watching my big brother play pickleball, visits with longtime friends, and praising God together in the church where I grew up.
It still feels like home.
Whenever we have the opportunity to travel to Europe, Belgium is on the itinerary. Spending time with our children and grandchildren is always a highlight—singing together, playing games and eating good food (did I mention chocolate?). We were able to enjoy special moments with family and renew friendships that span decades.
It still feels like home.
- The sense of relationship
No matter where we went—Ohio, Michigan, Belgium, Greece or Germany—I was constantly bombarded with the realization that we have some amazing friends and family all over the world. God has been so gracious to us! We found ourselves surrounded by people who have shared life with us over the years. It’s wonderful how you can just “pick up where you left off.” Then there are new friends who enter our lives to walk with us in the journey ahead. Our relationships run deep because God’s love connects us. Having recently moved to North Carolina, I needed to have this reminder. I moved away from dear friends in Texas, but those friends will do life with me no matter where we live.
Relationships span time and distance.
- The sense of God’s mission
Our trip to Greece was meant to be an encouragement to others, but we came away inspired. Seeing what God is doing is the lives of people there overwhelmed us. Walking along ancient roads and looking across landscapes that we read about in Scripture reminded me of the task before us—there continues to be a world surrounding us in need of Jesus. Prayer is indeed the strategy. We had the opportunity to pray as we walked and found rest in the beauty of God’s creation. What a gift we have been given to do this work!
We are partners with God in His mission.
