THE CHALLENGE.....

We had the pleasure of spending the past weekend with our son, Neil and Lisa, his wife, and our delightful great grandchild, Lexie. It was one of those memorable times for many reasons....

I always love to spend time with our kids. And each one has his own special identity - that personality that makes him so special - and the family that each one heads.

Lexie is Neil and Lisa's first grandchild. Oh, yes, I know you didn't think of me as the mother of a grandfather - but in truth, I'm the mother of three grandfathers!

We did so many fun things. Lexie, seven years old, read to us in such a mature and dramatic way. She had gotten fifteen books out of the library for the weekend! And she read several of them to us with all the emphasis, gestures and faces that made them come alive.

And speaking of alive - we went to the Gaslight Theatre and saw "Frankenstein Lives". We laughed so hard that if it's true that laughter stretches your life, I'm good for at least another ten years. It was such fun and so nostalgic.

The fellowship was so very precious. Neil had TIVO'd the Eric Hite funeral. He was the policeman that was killed in the line of duty and was a member of Saguaro Canyon Church. Neil, as his pastor, gave the message and it was beautiful. When he first came on camera I wasn't sure it was him! He was so handsome; gray hair, a suit and tie, and glasses. He looked like a genuine pastor. There were over 4,000 people in attendance and he told us how Eric had always wanted to bring his fellow officers to the Lord and to church. And in God's own special way they all were here - at one time - hearing the Gospel at the cost of Eric's life. Several of these men were truly touched and attended a Bible Study at the church for several weeks.

His message was passionate, loving and kind. The results of that message has affected all of Tucson since it was televised on several channels. He became the best known pastor in Tucson in the matter of just a few minutes. Were we proud? Guess!

But that was just the beginning. On Sunday morning he preached on Revelations 1:9-20. He had prepared a sermon that he discarded after realizing what a WOW moment this must have been for John. So he wrote a new one - and it was right on spot. He reminded us that John was probably feeling that his life's purpose was over and then he saw Jesus after probably at least 50 years - and Jesus gave him a new task.

"Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this."

He reminded us all that our tasks for the Lord are not over. We each have a gift - or a memory - or a challenge to fulfill. What is mine?

I learned a lot from Lisa who was such a relaxed and loving hostess. Her relationship with Lexie is fruitful and full of 'teaching' moments. How lucky Lexie is to have her grandparents love.

On the way home we were filled with such lovely things to talk about. And again, I share the question with you...... What is your challenge from God? What would He want us to be - or do?

Thanks Neil and Lisa for such a lovely memory. We will treasure it.....