Another chapter begins...
As another summer begins to wind down, I find myself totally amazed by the beauty of this area. Steady rain has fallen recently and I can't help but to take note of the colors God has chosen to surround us with. I am so grateful that He has made me so aware of my world and so NOT bored with even the color of the grass, the pure artwork of the clouds and the warmth of the sun. I love summer, especially in knowing my family can relax from the fast-paced life of school, teaching and more.
Speaking of school, we are now just a day removed from helping Brynne settle in at GVSU. The day went very well as she was able to un-pack and start in the dorm-room decoration. We spent several hours on campus with her and Carly and feel really good about the choice of settings for her education. Our departure in the evening was actually a bit unemotional (much to our surprise!), and I think it was because I was still so excited for all that was ahead of her. I had nearly 18 years to prepare for this day and prayed things would go well. Driving home I couldn't help but be thankful and humbled at this next venture for Brynne and how lucky are.
Tonight I sit alone and think of the million of things I miss about Brynne. Her absence already has me smiling thinking of the fun we've had and the incredible depth she has brought to my life. We hear often of the things we teach our children but sometimes forget how much they teach us. In her own unique way, she has taught me to live each day in appreciation of what is around me. She has taught me to laugh more often at myself and speak less harshly of others. More than anything else, she has taught me that LOVE WINS is much more than just a slogan.
Last week, Robin, Carly and myself hosted a pizza dinner with some of Brynne's best friends. A chance to see them one last time before they went off to school. Sitting with these girls at the table, I kept thinking how blessed we were to share so much of their lives with them. From tennis to performances, school stuff, games and so much more; it was so cool to watch them grow into such amazing people. I smile to think of all of the great things they will do and how many people's lives they will impact. Can't wait for more chapters with them all!
I have been to many places and done big things with Brynne through the years, but tonight i think of how much fun it's been just staying up late together. Right now, it's what i really, really miss. I recall reading much research in my youth ministry days about parent/teen relationships and how so much has gone wrong in so many families. How sad! Not a day goes by that I don't pray for and give thanks to the amazing girls in my life in Robin, Carly and Brynne. Their love means the world to me and I ask God to help me to be a good example to them in who and whose I am.
And so, that chapter thing continues. I now look forward to seeing Brynne at home, school and Mars Hill. I am excited to grow even closer with Carly and am anxious to see all the fun stuff ahead for her as she begins life at GHS. I hope and pray that life for you all is full of excitement, love and countless blessings. Be well and enjoy the rest of this awesome summer.
Blessed beyond belief;
Tommy O<
As another summer begins to wind down, I find myself totally amazed by the beauty of this area. Steady rain has fallen recently and I can't help but to take note of the colors God has chosen to surround us with. I am so grateful that He has made me so aware of my world and so NOT bored with even the color of the grass, the pure artwork of the clouds and the warmth of the sun. I love summer, especially in knowing my family can relax from the fast-paced life of school, teaching and more.
Speaking of school, we are now just a day removed from helping Brynne settle in at GVSU. The day went very well as she was able to un-pack and start in the dorm-room decoration. We spent several hours on campus with her and Carly and feel really good about the choice of settings for her education. Our departure in the evening was actually a bit unemotional (much to our surprise!), and I think it was because I was still so excited for all that was ahead of her. I had nearly 18 years to prepare for this day and prayed things would go well. Driving home I couldn't help but be thankful and humbled at this next venture for Brynne and how lucky are.
Tonight I sit alone and think of the million of things I miss about Brynne. Her absence already has me smiling thinking of the fun we've had and the incredible depth she has brought to my life. We hear often of the things we teach our children but sometimes forget how much they teach us. In her own unique way, she has taught me to live each day in appreciation of what is around me. She has taught me to laugh more often at myself and speak less harshly of others. More than anything else, she has taught me that LOVE WINS is much more than just a slogan.
Last week, Robin, Carly and myself hosted a pizza dinner with some of Brynne's best friends. A chance to see them one last time before they went off to school. Sitting with these girls at the table, I kept thinking how blessed we were to share so much of their lives with them. From tennis to performances, school stuff, games and so much more; it was so cool to watch them grow into such amazing people. I smile to think of all of the great things they will do and how many people's lives they will impact. Can't wait for more chapters with them all!
I have been to many places and done big things with Brynne through the years, but tonight i think of how much fun it's been just staying up late together. Right now, it's what i really, really miss. I recall reading much research in my youth ministry days about parent/teen relationships and how so much has gone wrong in so many families. How sad! Not a day goes by that I don't pray for and give thanks to the amazing girls in my life in Robin, Carly and Brynne. Their love means the world to me and I ask God to help me to be a good example to them in who and whose I am.
And so, that chapter thing continues. I now look forward to seeing Brynne at home, school and Mars Hill. I am excited to grow even closer with Carly and am anxious to see all the fun stuff ahead for her as she begins life at GHS. I hope and pray that life for you all is full of excitement, love and countless blessings. Be well and enjoy the rest of this awesome summer.
Blessed beyond belief;
Tommy O<
Labels: Another chapter...
posted by Tommy O at 9:01 PM
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