New eyes

We are in Wise, Virginia at Glamorgan Chapel.  We have been coming to this church for many years, so most of the people who go here are familiar to us and many are even good friends.  We see some of them often during the year. My friend Cindy has been in my life since we were campus minister and she was a student at ETSU over 40 years ago!  She and her husband Steve raised their children in this church.  Their children all serve the Lord for which I am thankful.  One of them, Ana, is on the World Race right now, where she is on a mission trip to 11 different countries in 12 months.  Their son Jordan is in Germany and their other daughter, Kaylie is married to Joel and they have 2 children.  They also have Liz and Ameera who are their children by another Mother.

I wonder sometimes about all the young people whom we have met through the years, in campus ministry, churches, youth groups and church camps.  Many are still in our lives, but there are many whom I have no idea where they are or if they are still serving the Lord.  Cindy and her family give me hope.

Now that I am reaching the end of my journey, I look back and realize that the only thing that matters is people.  I am praying for new eyes to see all the people around me and to be open to their needs and concerns.  When I am with Cindy, she always inspires me.  I want to be like her when I grow up.  But...most of all, I want to be like Jesus.