grateful

If there is one attitude that will reflect where I am at currently---it is of being grateful. We went to a wedding this weekend. Because of our knowledge of the family, we knew about alot of the messes of second/third marriages that intertwine their way in this family. As the minister led the couple with a talk about marriage being before God as for a lifetime, I could not help but whisper in my wife's ear about how thankful I am that our kids never had to face the ex-stepgrandfather-twice-removed-but-still-active-in-my-life-introductions. (that is a real description of a relationship--not one created for sake of words). Another one is my mom's stepdad's wife's kid's child--and that is my cousin.

I wonder how painful it is to God to watch the way we have butchered so many relationships in "trying to find the right one". Thankful indeed that God's covenant to us did not include alot of trial runs at providing salvation. (as in: hmm the last attempt to provide a worthy bridge between God and man failed, what shall I send this time?) God uses the marriage covenant as a representative of his love for us. I am amazed at how simple yet complex that bond is.

Additionally, it makes me happy when I know that my kids know that I still love their mother. The best gift I have ever given my kids for them to know for sure that I love their mother. That has provided stability where all the rest of the life happenings seem so unstable. Equally, the fact that I know my grandkids are learning that their fathers honestly love their mothers makes me equally happy. The gift keeps on being given from one generation to another. God says this is good.

AND NOW THIS ANNOUNCEMENT

Coming soon, 3 stories will be posted on this blog. All three are in various stages of formation.
My side of the Pilchuck climb is nearing completion. It is harder than anticipated to cause words to say what my mind has been and is thinking. The other two stories are about grandkids; one of my physical grandkids, and the other about our adopted ones. "Stay tuned."