We've Come This Far By Faith

First Sunday of the new year . . . last day of our delightful vacation from our regular schedule. I'm really not excited to get back into the routine of school and work and homework and practice and busy-ness; I'm enjoying our days of sleeping in and playing games and relaxing.

But if it must end, church today was a wonderful way to end vacation and begin the year. One of my favorite songs is "We've Come This Far By Faith," which we sang today. Three girls were baptized. Our pastor preached a wonderful sermon on Matthew 1, and I love the book of Matthew. The highlight, though, was when Deacon Charlie (who is 81 or 82 years old) stood to give a testimony. When Deacon Charlie gives a testimony, he can't stand still. He breaks out in smiles. He talks about how God has brought him this far and how much he loves Jesus. He starts to jump up and down. He praises God for the work He's done. He laughs and hops.

Almost nothing in this world makes me feel like praising Jesus than seeing Deacon Charlie praise Him. He has experienced real hardships of poverty and racism, and he is full of joy. He is over 80 years old, but he still jumps up to thank His Savior. I've seen him at Costco before, and he has the same radiant joy and happiness on a Wednesday afternoon doing errands that he does on Sunday morning during church. He is nearing the end of his life, but just the beginning of an eternity of praise.

I found my camera! It was in the play space, folded up into the boys' tunnel. (?!?!) I wish I'd had it with me at church today to take a picture of Deacon Charlie, but instead I'll use this picture of Evan and Andrew with my adorable nephews Micah and Luke ready to dive into the gingerbread house they made with Dave and Aaron.