Empty Nest

The big wedding day has come and gone and Joyce and I are finally getting rested up. We appreciate so much this church and all the people who helped with, and attended, the wedding. We are blessed with the choices our children have made as we see our family grow.

Someone decorated my truck, as our attention was on the newlyweds, with the words, “Empty Nest,” and, “Free at Last.” I understand the sentiment of both expressions but see them both as misnomers.

All of the kids have been out of the house for several years, counting college, work, and marriages. So the nest is only empty part of the time. When they are all away it is quiet but Joyce and I have learned to enjoy the time together. When they are here the nest has never been fuller, and gets fuller with every passing year. Now there are grandchildren to enlarge the nest. What I always heard is true. They are more fun than their parents were. But their parents also seem to be more fun now. So maybe we have gotten better too.

I also would not say we are free at last. Every stage of life brings new responsibilities and blessings. Our relationships with our families change like seasons with the seasons of our lives. There is a touch of sadness when we do not get to see them as often as we would like. Our children are scattered all across the country living their own lives. But that is what we raised them to do. At some point the fruit leaves the tree, is planted, and grows into its own tree. There is also a joyful satisfaction as we see our children grow into their own persons.

There comes a time when we all say goodbye to our childhood and become adults. I have discovered that adulthood has many major shifts as well. We can try to hold on to the past, but the past does not cooperate well with that approach. Or, we can embrace each new turn in the journey of life as an adventure. I prefer the adventure.

Bro. Robin
1 Corinthians 13:11-13

Blossoms and Fruit

The ice is finally over, we hope, and things are beginning to bloom, again. The rain we have been seeing lately has brought out green growth everywhere. Spring is here and it is a joy to see things bloom and grow. It is no different in the church than it is outside.

I see blossoms of children as I look at plans under way for the summer children’s’ program and children’s camp. It is always a joy to see so many children here two days a week all summer as they go on activities, learn about Jesus, and have fun together.

I see sprouts of youth getting ready for leadership training, the Iowa Mission Trip, and Youth Camp. We will see our leaders shine and all of the youth grow in ways that will bless us all, and maybe even surprise themselves a little.

I see the fruit of missions setting on as the Bahamas Mission Crew starts training to sail. We will be doing Vacation Bible School and Sports Evangelism for two days each at two different locations in the Bahamas. We will also be doing market place evangelism, holding beach services, and crewing our own boat, (with the help of Captain Steve). Pray for us as we take 18 members on this unique mission trip.

I also see the garden being tended by a helpful group of servants as many of you take time to serve the Lord this summer. There will be projects with the Outdoor Ministry, Building and Grounds Ministry, and many others with opportunities for everyone to serve, have fun, and fellowship together in the Lord.

One big building project will be the remodeling of the Gates house for offices. We are already in it but a lot of work still needs to be done. We also need to raise around $20,000 for the project. We need your help. Give generously of your time and resources and let’s make this the best summer ever at First Baptist Church, Gentry.

Bro. Robin