Quiet

Sorry I haven’t taken time yet to respond to anyone’s comments. Hopefully I’ll get a chance soon. I do appreciate you dropping by, and chiming in. My mind is pretty-much wrapped up in my family and dealing with the 'empty nest' right now. We took Isaac to Anderson U. Thursday, spent the night and Friday, and this morning… the house is really, really quiet. Too quiet.

My soul is rather quiet too. I’m not nervous, because I know Isaac will be fine. In fact, I can see him loving college. It may take a bit, but it seems like a natural place for him. I felt like Anderson was a good school from the start, but after spending two days of orientation, I feel even better. I hope he and Graham are starting to feel at home, and I pray they take advantage of all that AU has to offer. But I miss him… and Carrie. Life won’t be the same, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be okay. Jane and I are kind of just walking around in a fog right now. It’s a weird feeling.

WHAT I WANT MY KIDS TO KNOW (with thanks to Jim Martin):

- You mean the world to me, and I couldn’t have dreamed I would have such wonderful kids. No way. You have both exceeded my expectations so far it still amazes me. You are the best, and I have been blessed.
- I have great confidence in both of you. Even though you are different, I believe in you both. I believe you love God and desire to live in his will. I believe your hearts are right (not perfect - your dad's is far from perfect too - but “right”). I believe in you both.
- I will be praying for you every day. You are the first thing that enters my mind when I wake up. I believe God has great things in store for you and his hand on your lives is evident no matter what you do or where you go. I pray that you will be His, and that you will grow in grace and knowledge each and every day.
- You are never alone. God is with you always, and he is faithful and just and will not fail you. Your mother and I are only a phone call away and nothing warms our heart more than to know that you know that. When you feel stress, pressure, disappointment or anxiety… remember who you are, and whose you are. We are here for you, and most of all, God is here for you. His love and ours are constant and forever.
- Be yourself. Neither of you needs to try to be anyone else, because you are both great people. Now is not the time to try to be something or someone you “think” you should be – just live. Now is the time of life when you will have opportunities you will perhaps never have again. Take advantage of them. Whether it’s sleeping late, playing frisbee, or going on a mission trip… be happy, be free, and be yourself. Don’t be afraid of life.

This is a special time for both of you. I am so grateful for you, and grateful to you. You bring more joy to me than you will ever know. It is a privilege to be your dad. I love you.

Be at peace… Remember the revolution.