It is a glorious day!  My youngest son was baptized this morning at church.  Even though he is only 7, I have no doubt in my mind that he understands baptism unites him now as a believer with Jesus.  I’m beyond proud of him!

However, I would be remised if I didn’t mention the bittersweetness of today.  My Great-Aunt Norma went home to be with the Lord just a few days ago and is being laid to rest today.  I was not able to travel to her funeral this weekend since my son was being baptized.

I’ve suddenly found myself at that place in life where my family will be getting smaller before it gets bigger again.  As a child you have cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents and the extended family.  Then you get a bit older and the cousins get married and start having kids.  You are in the “growth” stage of family.  Family get togethers are so much fun and they happened often.  We would play for hours and knew every nook and cranny in everyones houses.  I’m not the oldest cousin, but of all the cousins in my generation I am one of the older ones.  I recall the babies who are now married and even have their own kids.  It was such a treat for the cousins to come from across the county to land for a few days at the Crossroads of America.  I have a lot of fond memories.

I reflect now on this stage of life.  There are only 2 people still living in my family who are of the greatest generation, the generation of my grandparents.  Family is important to me and I want to raise my kids to share those values.  How do I do that?  Worship together, eat meals together, talk to our kids.  Let them know we love them.  Jason and I need to be the Christian example for our kids to look to.  As parents we are shaping the future of our children and the values they will one day hold.

Our family will start growing again one day with my children’s generation.  But I have to wonder, without the ties that held us together at times, our grandparents generation, will we still stay in touch to see that growth?  Will my generation go across the country to weddings or baby showers or even baptisms?  Will my cousins come to see those milestones of my kids?

Life is always changing and brining me back to last weeks post from the Bible in Haggai 1: 5 & 7 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.”  What are our priorities in life.  With baptism and death recently, it brings this value of family close to the front of my mind.

Love your family.

In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.  Proverbs 12:28