Eastertide 2010

We had the ultimate pleasure of spending Easter with our youngest son, his wife and their almost 8 month-old son today.  We also were with DIL's parents, sisters, brother-in-law, aunt, uncle, cousin and his wife and their 2 young sons. It was so much fun.  

The cousin is shipping out to Afghanistan in two weeks, so it was an especially precious time for us to share with them.  I am humbled by the grace this young couple showed today.  This is his third deployment...perhaps since he is a Marine, as my dad was, it is more special to me, but also watching them as they went on with living, touched my heart.  The day to day stuff of family life goes on- making little boys eat vegetables, say please and thank you, look their elders in the eye for instruction- goes on whether you are facing deployment or not. Your job as Mom and Dad remains the same, doing your best to teach your children well, to rear them in the best way you know how.  May the Lord watch over you two during this difficult time of separation.  May He bring you back together in safety and joy at the end of your assignment. May the Lord give your parents peace and a sense of His presence at all times.   Thank you both for your service as I know that both of you serve whether you are out of the country or staying by the stuff.