In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:4-5)A darkness moved in when I dropped my boys off. It was the end of my first overnight custody. A really spectacular weekend was comming to an end.
Thursday Bruce Gill took us out for Chicago Pizza with Skyler, Brandon, John Russ and Nick. We got to know the boys and quietly began to destroy myths. We rode home in the Chevy Silverado all three on the bench seat up front. We were just getting started.
Friday we helped with mission work at BIEM where they met and worked and played with about 50 other people. Sean and David literally ran as they worked and had a great time with all the boys.
Saturday Doug McMichael taught them woodworking and the patience of Christ, how to use a band saw and router and actually taught me about being a father, not being task oriented. We also picked up mattresses and bought a Bed. And read from Proverbs 20 and Matt 4 and 5 about being "poor in spirit", so that your light will shine before men.
Sunday it was good to hear the message about God's word shining into our life and a dear note of encouragement reminding me of that transformation in me and in my family that all the pain will produce as we learn to trust Jesus, He is a BIG God. I remain dependent on Him for hope and light.
"Let Jesus be as a lamp in your life, shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in the hearts of your family" (paraphrase of 2 Peter 1:19)As I introduced my boys to John and Marrissa Sharbaugh and their new son Jackson , I said they were famous. Marrissa turned and graciously described her life (with Malachi) as a a great opportunity to give honor to God.
Lights shine in dark places, giving hope. I am continuously reminded the dark moments are the chance to give most Glory to God.
