Greetings in the Savior's name! In the interest of efficiency and economy we are sending this "annual report" via e-mail, and with apologies to those of youi for whom it may not be particularly relevant.
We have received many Christmas cards, notes and newsletters, and what a joy it is to hear from some who were under our pastoral care decades ago and know that they still walk with the King and praise His name. We can understand a little of what John meant when he said, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth [III John 4]." We look forward to the reunion we shall have in glory!
December 12 was the first anniversary of our beloved daughter Becky's "graduation to glory." The Lord has comforted us in our "loss," but we still miss her deeply. How wonderful to know that she will be part of that coming reunion! Her husband, Ange, has joined us for Christmas, arriving December 14 for a two week visit. The Lord has given him grace also, but his sense of loss is even more profound than ours.
Miriam's health continues a slow, but steady decline. She suffers from chronic pain that sometimes elicits the comment, "I hurt all over," but with the assistance of walker and wheelchair she can still get around, and out occasionally. Someone asked recently about our "social life." Well, it chiefly consists of church, when she is able to make it, and doctor's appointments! But, that is not a complaint. We have exceeded by ten years the biblical "threescore years and ten," and are mindful of scripture's note that "if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow, for it is soon cut off, and we fly away [Psalm 90:10]." We are grateful to God for each new day—together!
As for the rest of the family, all is much the same as a year ago. David continues in his administrative position with the University of Buffalo, and travels fairly often. He will oversee a group of graduate students on a ten day trip to China—an annual event—leaving Dec. 31. Linda is still teaching high school French. Sue carries on her nursing career in Boston, and Doug his computer program engineering, which finds him traveling a good bit, as well. We thank the Lord for them all, and are enriched by the presence of all of them with us for Christmas.
We are mindful that some of you have suffered hardship and/or losses this year, and pray God's comfort and grace may be your sufficiency. And may He give each and all a joy-filled Christ-mas and a spiritually rewarding new year.
Sincerely in Christ,
Wayne (Frasier) for both of us
No comments:
Post a Comment