Memories

Our family recently got together for a spring break vacation in Southern California. It was great to have our kids, their families and the grandkids all together in one place. One evening I had the joy of taking a walk with the grandkids, and I decided to play a little fun thinking game with them. They were to dream about what they would see themselves doing or being later in life. Jackson went first and said that he would be tall and he would be fast and he would enjoy pitching on a pro baseball team. Jackson’s sister Izzy said she would like a nice husband and good kids, which was very sweet. She’s 8 years old.Granddaughter MacCallum said she would like to be on a water polo team and be in the Olympics. Later Justin, who is married to our daughter Janae, came and joined the conversation and decided to play the dream game as well. He said he would like to be known as someone whobrought joy to people’s lives and who is a good husband to his wife and a loving father to his girls. On hearing thisMacCallum, his 12 year old daughter joked, “Well, that’s not gonna happen.” We all laughed loudly and enjoyed the moment of spontaneous joyful interaction. ‘

Sweet memories of laughter, joy, and hope took place during our time together. Proximity matters. You have tobe in and around people, interacting and doing life together to catch these moments and to build lasting memories. This is true for the body of Christ and his people. Encouraging input, prayerful support, empowering messages, laughter and joy take place when you’re in and around people that share the same values and love the same Jesus. Don’t do life on your own. It’s not easy or as enjoyable. You were not designed that way. Stay engaged in your local church. Be a person that adds to the life of those around you. And if for some reason you don’t have a local fellowship, pray and find one. There’s too much isolation, fear and loneliness today. Be in community. It enhances your dreams.