just words

I had planned on blogging this weekend with pictures (that won't upload) about some good advice my dad gave me when we were less than enthused about our new arrival. Because life has been so crazy with 2 toddlers and a baby, we thought we were going to lose it! Dad said, "Go look at your kids when they're sleeping, then you know why you love them - and it's so easy." It' true. The most beautiful times as a parent are looking at your kids in peace, when they don't talk, scream or fight. However, in light of what has happened in our church family this past weekend, we have a truly new appreciation for every interruption, every middle-of-the-night cry, every time they do something that's NOT suppose to be funny, but is, and we have to laugh.

Our youth pastor, Tabor, and family were torn apart this weekend by tragedy. Julie and Taylen were on their lay to visit Tabor at a work project at the parsonage when she was hit from behind by a truck carrying milk. Unable to stop the truck pushed the car and crushed the fuel tank, causing it to explode. Sixteen month old Taylen was killed on impact, Tabor was the first on the scene to pull his burning wife from the car. Julie is now recovering at a local hospital and is unaware of anything that has taken place. Tabor is showing the true character of a man of God and being a shining example of hope and peace to others who are hurting. I write all of this to say that the lessons that we can learn from this horrific event out number the words I have. But here's what I do know, I hug my kids more, for a longer time, and tighter. I hug Josh more, longer and tighter. We tell each other, "I love you" more often, and with more passion. I take the time at bedtime to listen to Olivia babble on, when I know she should be asleep, just because I can. I let Garrett play with my hair whenever he wants, even when it pulls or hurts, just because I can. I pick up Esther everytime she crawls over to me, even though I know I'm going to spoil her, just because I can. Every moment is special, every word meaningful, don't waste a moment of time with your family! Don't be too busy cooking, cleaning, talking on the phone, watching the TV or playing on the computer, to play catch with your son, read to your daughter, have a family wrestling match, color a picture for extended family, eat a meal all together around one table, or gather around a piano, guitar, trumpet, etc and praise the One who makes life sweet.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Lord, this is my prayer, that you will restore Tabor's broken spirit. Your timing doesn't always make sense and we wonder if you knew what was going on. . .But I believe that in the midst of this tragedy Your glory will be made known. Maybe not today and maybe not a year from now, but you are still THE God and are enough! Thank you.