Giving thanks in all circumstances...

Yet another Thanksgiving has come and gone. This one was spent in typical American fashion, but sans my dear family. I played football with a group of friends and though the weather was hot compared to nearly all my Thanksgivings gone past, it was quite a fun day. However, after playing two hours of football, there’s no question that my body will be aching in the morning!

From the gridiron we made our way straight to the grub and enjoyed the usual Thanksgiving feast—turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans—about the only things missing were cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. It was quite a spread, but not the same as mom’s home cookin’!

As wonderful as it was to be with such a great group of people, it could never replace being with family. The last Thanksgiving I spent with my family was two years ago under less than desirable conditions. At the time I was in the thick of training here in India, during which I found out that the Lord had called my dear Grandpa home. Fortunately, I was able to return to the US for his funeral and share a very special with my family as we remembered my Grandpa’s wonderful life.

Grandpa could not have been more involved or more interested in our (grandkids & later great-grandkids) lives. This was no small feat considering my family lived in Wyoming and he and my grandmother lived in Illinois. Every couple of summers, we’d go out to northern Illinois or to Minnesota to see our Grandparents, cousins, aunts, and my uncle. It was always fun spending time with our extended family though the 16+ hrs in the car wasn't terribly fun. Twenty questions and “I spy” kept my sisters and I entertained for hours (or maybe it was only minutes?) crossing the Great Plains. When that wore off, big brother would find creative ways to pester his little sisters, though that didn’t always end well (for them or for him!).

At any rate, we were so very blessed by Grandpa (and Grandma) and the way they invested in our lives. Grandpa and Grandma’s love for us was so evident by their commitment to being part of our lives. They were so proud of us (all the grandkids) and made each of us feel special. I really don’t know how they managed to make it to so many of our birthdays, graduations, and other important life events (like my sister’s wedding). Now, I am finding it hard to believe that two years have gone by since Grandpa died. I am so thankful the life he lived, the example he set, and what he taught me about love, humility, laughter, and a servant’s heart.

In addition to memories of Grandpa (and that awesome clown costume he’d wear for our birthdays!), this Thanksgiving has given me pause to reflect on the last year. It has probably been the most challenging year of my life—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It seems like there have been obstacles lurking around nearly every corner. This has created many doubts and anxieties in my mind and heart. From my mother being diagnosed with cancer to landlord troubles to major career decisions to broken relationships, this year has brought more heartache, disappointment, discouragement, and suffering than any other. (Please don’t feel sorry for me or stop reading because I’m depressing you. This will end well, I promise!)

As I look back on what seemed like wave after wave of distressing events, I am thankful for knowing and experiencing calm in the midst of the storm. The truth is that God has allowed and even purposed everything in my life to come to pass the way it has--nothing has taken place apart God's will. I wasn’t unlucky this year, nor did I suffer from bad karma. No, I am confident that just as Joseph told his brothers (who intended to harm him), that God intended it for good (Genesis 50:20) so too, God has shown Himself faithful in similar ways in my life. I can therefore rest secure in the knowledge of God's promise to those who believe in Jesus--all things will work together for good (Romans 8:28). So when things don’t go “my way” or according to “my will,” I am still able to rejoice and “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will…” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

So what gives me such an assurance in the midst of tremendous anxiety and grief? Well, it is a result of knowing and experiencing God's intimate knowledge, care, and concern—He knows all my hopes, dreams, desires, disappointments, heartaches... EVERYTHING! More than that, He is continuously engaged in our lives because we are created in His image and His longs for us to experience the fullness of His love for us--a deep, abiding, unconditional, and personal love. He is not a distant, capricious god who caters to my every whim and fancy. No, He is a God who is zealous for me to worship Him because He knows that in so doing, I will find delight by walking in His ways and honoring Him. Only is so doing, can I find true peace, assurance, and hope.

I believe this because God has come in human form to this dirty, filthy world--no part of which is untainted by our sin. He did this to redeem mankind and reconcile us to Himself (our Creator) because He alone is the perfect sacrifice. Only by giving Himself can our broken relationships with Him, with each other, and with His creation be restored. Through Jesus, God has poured out His love and grace upon the world, offering us the only real path to salvation. Therefore, in the midst of trials and tribulations, I can rejoice with Job and say, “…the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21)

In addition to being my Savior and Lord, Jesus is now my advocate. Who could better relate to my sorrows and grief than One who has experienced them, but to a much greater and more painful degree? “He was despised and rejected by mankind,
 a man of suffering, and familiar with pain… he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” (Isaiah 53:3) O what a Savior... O what a Lord... He not only knows my innermost thoughts, but also shares in my deepest sorrows. He is ever waiting, ever longing for us to cast our burdens upon Him, for He cares for us! (1 Peter 5:7)

I'm also thankful that God answers our prayers for physical healing and He has healed my mom of cancer! There have been many times this year when her life appeared to be hanging in the balance (in human terms), yet throughout this ordeal, God has been holding her in the palm of His hand. He has restored her health and answered our prayers. My family is so very blessed and tremendously thankful for God's providential care in our lives regardless of what storms may come.

As I draw this to a close, this Thanksgiving I am acutely aware of my need for God’s grace, His mercy, and His love. I am also thankful for how He heals the broken-hearted (Psalm 147:3) and restores and heals broken relationships. While suffering and heartache will continue as long as I walk this earth, I can take solace in the fact that God has proven Himself faithful and He continues to do so. For that I will, today and forever, give thanksgiving and offer up a sacrifice of praise to the great, gracious, and loving King of Kings.

The Love, Character, and Faithfulness of a Grandfather

Today is a day of great significance for me, but not for the reasons you might expect. Yes, it marks a monumental Presidential election that will largely shape the foreseeable future of my beloved country. Sure, it’s an election that could dramatically change the cultural and economic landscapes for my children and grandchildren, but that isn’t what is on my heart this day. To be honest, despite the fact that my job is to protect the very freedoms we enjoy and cherish as Americans, I didn’t even vote this election. Am I apathetic? No, not really. Maybe it’s a combination of laziness coupled with the impossibility of submitting a ballot in time (after all, I do live in India!) to have my vote counted. Yeah, I may be a bit cynical, but in all honesty, my heart is elsewhere… Not just thousands of miles away from the political storm, but light years away, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. My heart is burdened.

The righteous who walks in his integrity--blessed are his children (and grandchildren!) after him! Prv. 20:7

Plus, the Bible gives the assurance that “there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1) and that “kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.” (Psalm 22:28)  No, I’m not trying to justify not casting my vote, but instead affirming the fact that no ruler (president, prime minister, dictator, etc.) holds office apart from the will of God. So… why does this day hold such importance and why is my heart elsewhere?

Well, today marks the four-year anniversary of my dear Grandfather going home to be with the Lord. It’s hard to believe that it has been so long, as I can still fondly recall his voice, his laugh, his smile, his personality, his jokes, his stories, his golf swing, his humility, his love, his character, his relationship with my grandmother, his relationship with my Lord... as if I had seen him only yesterday. I have been blessed with many wonderful memories of the man we called “Grandad.” He truly was grand and every one of his grandchildren would attest to that fact. Grandad loved us with an unconditional and affirming love, but don’t think he didn’t discipline us. It’s true that the Lord disciplines those he loves (Proverbs 3:12 & Hebrews 12:6) and Grandad was not afraid to be an instrument of the Lord in that regard! Of course, his discipline was swift and fair, but most of the time his words were enough to motivate us to good behavior--the pain of disappointing Grandad was usually enough to steer us in the right direction.

The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water,
but a man of understanding will draw it out. Prv. 20:5

Some of my fondest memories of him were the hours we spent playing golf together during the summer in Colorado. Most of the time it was just Grandad, me, and some of his old buddies. Wow, what a pleasure for a young, adolescent boy to get to rub shoulders with a unique group of old guys who told the best stories and jokes you ever heard (I still wonder how they can remember them because I never could!). Usually, I was the only “kid” who played with them, though occasionally my sister or a cousin would join us. It truly was a privilege to walk down (or ride as was more often the case in the later years) the fairways with that group of men--Moe, Curly, Bill, Bob, and many others who were from all walks of life (spiritually, financially, and otherwise). More than anything, I was grateful to my Grandad for allowing me to be a part of that special group, even though on occasion, my errant shots prevented me from fully enjoying/embracing the experience! (NOTE: For those who haven’t played golf or don’t love the game, you need to understand that it is a microcosm of life--golf can bring out both the best and the worst in a person!)

An excellent wife who can find? (ANSWER: Grandad!) Prv. 31:10

Above and beyond all the special times we shared together on the golf course and our discourses on a variety of subjects--God, faith, love, women, politics, sports, and many other things--one of the things I most admired about my Grandad was his rich love for my grandma (Nonny). They were married for over 65 years and anyone who spent even a moment with them saw the great depth of their love for God, one another, their family, friends, and even strangers. It was a real blessing for me to get to see their relationship up close. I was able to observe how their love for each other grew deeper and deeper over the years despite many physical limitations. Near the end of his life, my Grandad had to live with Parkinson’s for quite a number of years. Apart from the grace of God and Nonny’s love, devotion, and care (as well as my Aunt Susan's), Grandad would not have lived such a full, rich, and long life. Even after sharing over 30 years with Grandad and Nonny, I couldn’t even begin to scratch the surface of their love for one another. When I read about love in the Bible and learn about how couples are to show it to one another, I know that Grandad and Nonny exemplify that incarnational (Christlike) love. They have set the expectation bar awfully high for this guy!

No couple in the world could be more lovable!

One thing about Grandad and Nonny is that they really knew the sacrifices and commitment that love required, even though they were married at 19!! As a teenager, could you imagine making a vow to spend the rest of your life with someone?! Then a few short years later, being separated because of WWII?! That is the story of my dear grandparents whose promises to each other were backed up by their will and actions. You see, Grandad was stationed in India for over a year and my mom was born during that difficult period of separation. They survived that tremendous obstacle and many others over the many years, but continued to grow in their love for the Lord and for each other. Grandad and Nonny made many costly sacrifices for their children and grandchildren to enjoy a better tomorrow. (Hmm... I wonder if our generation and maybe even the current leaders of our country could learn something from them?)

Oh, the memories of Grandad and that golf cart

Over the decades and generations (kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids), God blessed my grandparents so very richly and through them blessed our family. They stayed faithful to their wedding vows, through sickness and health, richer and poorer, and didn't waver through any of the storms of life. I really envy them and what they shared as a couple. Few couples today could even hold a candle to the richness of their relationship with God and with each other. What an incredible legacy they have left for their children, grandchildren (ME!) and great-grandchildren. I’m so thankful that Nonny continues to be such a huge encouragement to me in the midst of difficult and trying circumstances, even though I know she misses Grandad even more than I do.

Grandad and his brothers; an adoring Nonny looks on...

On this day of thanksgiving, reflection, and remembrance, I thank God for His faithful promises that are as real now, as they were when Abraham, Noah, Moses, David, and Christ walked this earth. I can therefore look forward to being reunited with Grandad one day in glory when God will make all things new again. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore…” (Revelation 21:4) It will be wonderful to see my grandfather again with a perfect body. Then we can rejoice at being able to fully taste and see that the Lord is good.

I thank God for the wonderful gift of Junius Myrl Penny, one of the godliest men I will ever known. He has shown me by his faithful life, that “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) I will never forget my last moments with Grandad and how he held my hand so very, very tightly and would not let go… it reminds me of how God holds us in the palm of His hand--so tightly that not even death can separate us from His love.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Wearing bowties in Grandad's honor

God is faithful to all generations (Ps. 100:5)