Autumn Reflections

Posted on October 25, 2009 
Filed Under Marriage, Personal

This weekend I was in East Texas, enjoying the beautiful autumn weather and colors. The primary reason for the trip was to participate in the 40th anniversary celebration for friends at Missionary TECH Team, a small ministry with a profound impact over the years.

Back in 1982 I joined the staff there for about a year, serving as a photographer and learning about missions first-hand. I think the understandings gained there helped me grasp more fully the significance of evangelism and discipleship, and the dedication and hard work of that ministry continues to reach the world — in 40 years TECH has touched folks in all 50 states and 85 countries.

While in Tyler, I enjoyed listening to the stations I helped launch in the ’80s, known now as Encouragement FM.It is gratifying to know that a good foundation was laid there, and that the stations enjoy a sizable and loyal audience.

One wonderful thing about going back to East Texas is that my in-laws are still there, and my daughter and I had a warm and most pleasant visit with them. Their devotion to one another is inspiring, and it was fun to see grandmother having some one-on-one time with her granddaughter. They both were glad for those memories.

Overall, the trip was reflective and thought-provoking. From thinking back to how God has looked so favorably on me these past years, allowing me to associate with three fine ministries since 1982 and some real Kingdom warriors, was humbling.  What a privilege to work with folks in enduring outreaches that help in the Great Commission and in building up the body of Christ!

I also thought about Nichole Nordeman’s touching song about how we move through the seasons of life. Those wonderfully deep lyrics were in my mind as I interacted with some couples who have been married 33 years, one dear husband and wife who have been together 55 years, and my in-laws who are heading toward their 61st anniversary. These folks have hit some impressive milestones, and their longevity speaks to their profound love for each other and the seriousness with which they made their vows.I guess these are “winters,” folks who are in the waning days of life, about to enter the cold days in which death separates them from one another?

Also in the past few days, two couples who have recently welcomed their first babies into the world, with all the freshness and enthusiasm (and uncertainty). They are in the springtime of life, eh?

And the realization that my wife and I are headed toward our 25th wedding anniversary. Hmm, surely we’re experiencing summer? Or maybe entering that fall season, in which leaves start to turn majestic colors and temperatures drop toward freezing?

How about you? Where are you in life’s seasons?

Comments

One Response to “Autumn Reflections”

  1. doug on October 29th, 2009 5:53 am

    my wife and i have enjoyed 41 years together
    i think were entering spring. where new and exiting events occur almost weekly
    with 5 grandchildren to keep us growing and looking forward to tomorrow and the future.
    changes always happen and we enjoy being here to experience this. god bless you and your family

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