"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." Matthew 5:14-15

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:45-46

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

The Blessing of Family

Just a little over a week ago our family went on our annual fall hike. We have done it ever since I was pregnant with my youngest son. (The shorter of the two in this photo). For many years we have taken photos in front of this rock. Most years the boys barely were half way up the rock. This year you can see that they are almost surpassing it.

This year was a little bittersweet for me, because it is the last time that we will do our annual hike as a whole family. By next Fall my oldest will be in college in Florida.

Our hike was a lot shorter than normal because my oldest son is still dealing with a cross country injury that affects his hip. He isn't able to walk very much without pain and discomfort. He has been going through physical therapy. But I praise God for the opportunity we did have to go out together.

I think about traditions and things that we do together as a family - having a weekly family night with pizza and a movie, playing games, daily devotions and prayer time, eating supper together each night, etc. These are all things that I often just take for granted. But this past Friday, I had a reminder to treasure those times and realize how blessed I am.

Early Friday morning I dropped my son off at a local restaurant around 7:10 AM, to catch his ride to work. Less than twenty minutes later he called me on the driver's cell phone telling me that they had just been in a car accident, just yards away from where I had dropped him. It never even crossed my mind of the possibility of receiving a phone call like that. Fortunately the driver of the other vehicle as well as the friend my son was riding with, and my son were all fine - no broken bones.

My son is still struggling with aches and pains due to the force of the air bag as well as the seat belt. He told me that he was just going to reach down and get something when the accident occurred. I realized that if he had done that, it is likely that his head, neck, etc. could have been incredibly affected by the air bag. He could have been paralyzed or even killed. I shudder to even think about it.

So the past several days I have been pondering the blessing of family and how God put us all together. We never know the amount of days that we will have on this earth. Treasure each one!

2 comments:

Sharon said...

I am so glad to hear your son is ok!! they are very hansome boys!
Where in Florida will he be going to college? I live in Florida as well.
You know I just lost my brother this year from a accident, blow to the head, it was just awful. And I still have moments where I can't help but cry, I miss him so much.
I say all the time, why didn't I call him the night before, Why didn't I do this or that---If I knew I would of loved to be able to hug him and tell him how much I love him... But We Never Know Do WE!
Hugggs those boys today and everyday, tell them everyday you love them!
Blessings to you and your family
Sharon

Marilyn in Mississippi said...

Great picture! What a clever idea to take their picture in front of the same rock several years in a row! So glad your son was not seriously injured in the auto wreck!

Take care....

Marilyn