God is Good

I didn't want to post this good news before Kelsey did, on her blog. . . She just did, so now I will, too. Chris starts a promising new job on Monday! Woo Hoo!

Defining Moment #4 - Marrying Dan

Dan and I dated throughout my entire first two years of college; I was wearing an engagement ring by the beginning of my Sophomore year; and we were married the summer before my Junior year, immediately following Dan's graduation.

As in all marriages, when two people become one, both are changed in countless ways. In other words, two people are, in some ways, redefined by the relationship. If it is a good relationship, that redefinition turns the two people into stronger and better individuals, and results in a strong and satisfying union.

While it seems that explaining how 39 years of marriage has defined my life would be an easy task, I found it very difficult. I think the reason is that it has defined me in so many ways that it's hard to identify a few specifics. But I'll try. Here are a few of the ways that marriage to Dan has defined me:

• I have confidence in making major decisions, because I never have to make them alone. All of our decisions are based upon "How will this affect us?" not, "How will this affect me?"
• I have become braver and more resilient. Because of Dan's encouragement and leadership, I have dared to attempt many things that I probably wouldn't have, otherwise. Some attempts turned out wonderfully; others didn't. But even our failures were good, because we learned by them and came out of the experience richer for having tried, and better prepared for the future.
• I lead a life free of fear. Because of Dan's faithful years of hard work, our children and I were never without the necessities of life. We've always had a warm home, food and clothes; and the past leaves me with no reason to fear the future.
• My faith in God has grown. We have been mutual encouragers, when it comes to spiritual matters. And we are constantly reminded that all of our efforts (even Dan's hard work) would not have been sufficient without God's hand working in our lives.
• I am a mother and grandmother. I can't imagine life without my two sons; not just any two sons, but the very ones God gave to Dan and me. And, through one of those sons I have gained a daughter and a granddaughter. I couldn't possibly define myself, today, without including the words "mother" and "grandmother."
• I laugh more. Dan puts a lot of joy and humor in my life.

Today's Update on Mom

I'd love to be able to report that every day is a little better than the one before, but that's not quite how Mom's recovery is going. One day she is optimistic and doing well; the next she is discouraged, confused (because of medication), in pain and/or nauseated. Today was one of those discouraging days, for her. This evening, though, she seems to be feeling a little less distressed. I tried, tonight, to convince her that she needs to eat (which she hasn't been doing). When she doesn't eat, the pain medication hits her empty stomach, and she gets sick. And once she's sick, she won't eat, so it is a vicious circle.

I'd really appreciate your continued prayers. This has been an extremely trying time for her.

Defining Moment #3 - College

So, after growing up in Juneau, at the age of 18 I said good-bye to my folks and friends, and flew south to Abilene, Texas, for college. People often ask me why I went so far from home. I knew I wanted to go to a Christian college. I considered several and received scholarship offers from three. But Abilene Christian College (ACC) was the one I had my heart set on. Over the years, a number of ACC students had come to Juneau, during the summertime, to work with the youth in the church. They were fun, dedicated young people and had a major influence on my decision to attend ACC.

Going to ACC defined my life in a number of ways:

• I gained a new appreciation of the size and expanse of the church. Back home, I had been one of about four teens in a very small church. I confess to having had thoughts, at times, similar to Elijah, who believed he was the only faithful prophet left on earth! At ACC I was happily a part of 3000 students, from around the world, who shared a common faith.
• I began to overcome my innate shyness. My college roommate, Chris, an out-going and high-spirited girl, greatly influenced me in this respect.
• I grew in perseverance by tolerating obstacles to completing my degree: Obstacle 1 - The oppressive west Texas heat. (For the first two years, I lived on the third floor of a very old, brick dormitory (McKenzie) with no air conditioning. Coming from cold country, I didn't tolerate high temperatures well.) Obstacle 2 - Distance from home. (No trips home on weekends or short school breaks.) Obstacle 3 - Distance from campus (After getting married we moved to another town, 23 miles from Abilene, so I became a commuter.)
  
• I went in without a higher education, and came out with one. Because of my degree, my self-confidence improved, and my opportunities in the work world were strengthened.
  
• I met Dan and got married -- but we'll let that stand alone, as Defining Moment #4.