This is one of those old church photographs, taken some forty years ago. Things have changed a lot since those days, but there are few things that are especially noticeable. Paul has more hair than the rest of us. We all had home-styled haircuts as you can see by the bangs on all of us. Most of that heavy black hair on Paul is gone or turned to a salt and peppered look. As I look at this photo, the one thing we all have in common is smiles that reflect our love for each other.

We will be gathering this weekend as a family all together, once more. Our daughter, Amy (our firstborn – pictured standing) will be flying into Minneapolis today to check in on her aging parents. We plan to spend some time with the other two as well. Because these times of decision are coming upon us – change of health situations, needs to work, financial issues and a future that will continue on with some more changes – a family meeting will occur. I feel so blessed to have all my family involved in the plans we’ll be making for our remaining lives. Both of us turned 80 this year. For the most part, you’d consider us vibrant, senior citizens. We love what we do with our time. Both of us are creative people with pretty good minds. Although some might consider us a little off the wall. There have been ongoing health issues this past year and we’re all in agreement that our current living conditions are not right for us anymore.

My prayer today and throughout this weekend is that we can all move forward as a family – that Paul and I remain open-minded and agreeable – that we approach these tough decisions with God’s help and at our center, as He always has been – that we listen with open ears and receptive hearts – that we enjoy our moments of laughter together. I know that God will guide our choices and our future, because He has always been at the head of our family.

Joshua 24:15 “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”