Yes, it’s been months since I blogged. Life took over and I’m looking out my window realizing that the leaves are about to change color and we will be putting away the bbq and deck chairs before the month is out. Time certainly didn’t pass me by, it just kept running beside me until I suddenly stopped to breathe and slow the pace of 2014.
We gave away our beautiful and youngest daughter in marriage a few weeks ago. I knew this day would come and life would change. It seems we just announced her engagement to Jordan and before we knew it, they were all smiles and leaving on their honeymoon. The months in between are a bit of a blur now - a happy content “glad they are over” kind of blur. Lots of work ending in an incredible awesome celebration and adventure ahead for a couple who are deeply in love.
Our youngest son moved out in July as he continues his studies and internship in becoming a fireman. Our hearts swelled with pride (the good kind) as he was sworn in and badged two days after our daughter’s wedding. Life is good and bittersweet at the same time....why does the heart ache when they try their wings and fly - especially when you realize it is your youngest and life will never be quite the same.
I wrote on this blog a while back about my “circus”. My Family Circus Our Russian/Ukrainian name translated into English means “wild family”. Years ago, when we lived in Russia as missionaries, we lived in a hotel that housed the Moscow circus when they came through town. How appropriate...our wild family in the circus hotel. Pondering our empty nest as the dust settles from the last months, this took on a whole new meaning. The air is no longer filled with the roaring of tigers jumping through hoops or elephants balancing on a ball. The rhythmic music of dancing bears across the floors is silenced. Trapeze artists flying through the air or walking a tight wire are no longer a safety issue :) Silence prevails and as I stand in the dust and look around at empty tents, discarded peanut bags and cotton candy wrappers, I am struck with the realization....the circus has left town.
My heart is trying to absorb all of this in our new season. I always thought I liked change. I’m not so sure now. Although change with purpose is promising. Change with vision is exhilarating. Change means the old is passing away and the new is born. Wait, the circus may have left but the Ringmaster and his beautifully clad sidekick are still here :) Slightly older, less elegant, but still with lots of “circusy-wild-family” life just waiting to get the show on the road once again. And those cute tutu-ed bears, those roaring tigers, and flying trapeze will definitely still come around with an act all their own :) Probably a bit hungry, maybe a load or two of laundry to be done, perhaps a need to be met or a word of advice wanting to be dispensed. Wonderful....I seriously can’t wait!
As I head into the cool, crisp days of autumn, I look forward to pondering and remembering His goodness. As days of “thankfulness” come upon us, I anticipate many God-stories welling up in my heart. Yes, time to write those down....stories not forgotten. A new season full of promise, life and fresh memories waiting to be made! I don’t honestly know what the next season looks like, but if I know anything about God, it will be full of surprises and His faithfulness!
We gave away our beautiful and youngest daughter in marriage a few weeks ago. I knew this day would come and life would change. It seems we just announced her engagement to Jordan and before we knew it, they were all smiles and leaving on their honeymoon. The months in between are a bit of a blur now - a happy content “glad they are over” kind of blur. Lots of work ending in an incredible awesome celebration and adventure ahead for a couple who are deeply in love.
Our youngest son moved out in July as he continues his studies and internship in becoming a fireman. Our hearts swelled with pride (the good kind) as he was sworn in and badged two days after our daughter’s wedding. Life is good and bittersweet at the same time....why does the heart ache when they try their wings and fly - especially when you realize it is your youngest and life will never be quite the same.
I wrote on this blog a while back about my “circus”. My Family Circus Our Russian/Ukrainian name translated into English means “wild family”. Years ago, when we lived in Russia as missionaries, we lived in a hotel that housed the Moscow circus when they came through town. How appropriate...our wild family in the circus hotel. Pondering our empty nest as the dust settles from the last months, this took on a whole new meaning. The air is no longer filled with the roaring of tigers jumping through hoops or elephants balancing on a ball. The rhythmic music of dancing bears across the floors is silenced. Trapeze artists flying through the air or walking a tight wire are no longer a safety issue :) Silence prevails and as I stand in the dust and look around at empty tents, discarded peanut bags and cotton candy wrappers, I am struck with the realization....the circus has left town.
My heart is trying to absorb all of this in our new season. I always thought I liked change. I’m not so sure now. Although change with purpose is promising. Change with vision is exhilarating. Change means the old is passing away and the new is born. Wait, the circus may have left but the Ringmaster and his beautifully clad sidekick are still here :) Slightly older, less elegant, but still with lots of “circusy-wild-family” life just waiting to get the show on the road once again. And those cute tutu-ed bears, those roaring tigers, and flying trapeze will definitely still come around with an act all their own :) Probably a bit hungry, maybe a load or two of laundry to be done, perhaps a need to be met or a word of advice wanting to be dispensed. Wonderful....I seriously can’t wait!
As I head into the cool, crisp days of autumn, I look forward to pondering and remembering His goodness. As days of “thankfulness” come upon us, I anticipate many God-stories welling up in my heart. Yes, time to write those down....stories not forgotten. A new season full of promise, life and fresh memories waiting to be made! I don’t honestly know what the next season looks like, but if I know anything about God, it will be full of surprises and His faithfulness!
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Great is Thy Faithfulness!
