It's all about relationship...

Mick, one of my former pastors, who I often referred to as "The Micker", during our very first lunch together made this unforgettable statement: "It's all about relationship." After so many years have passed and our ongoing relationship continues, I now realize he was paraphrasing the essence of Jesus' ministry and words while here on earth... His relationship with us and His relationship with His Father in Heaven.

Coronavirus

For the past several weeks, most people around the world have been impacted by the Coronavirus Pandemic, hopefully in a precautionary manner and not actually trying to fight off the virus-caused illness. So many of us have been forced into an isolationist mode mostly confined to our homes with little or no away-from-home travel/interaction with others. This, being an effort to minimize mutual risk of spreading the dreaded virus. We have also been faced with the reality of providing for our ongoing needs for food and other provisions. Fortunately for Kathie and I, local family members have tried to help as much as possible, while maintaining a safe distance.

As such, most all of us are experiencing a lot of "quiet time" and perhaps downloading apps on our Kindles, laptops, and cellphones to help us stay in contact with those whose relationships we have enjoyed ongoing. This includes family, friends, schools, churches, you name it!

Yesterday, Kathie and I spent our very first Easter Sunday at home in almost 58 years of marriage, streaming music and an Easter message from our local Exit Church. I know that many readers of this BLOG shared similar experiences as well. In our case, we spent the evening viewing two different Easter-related movies. And then, this morning, during devotions, we found ourselves, once again sharing our appreciation for the life-long relationships we have had with our family and friends. As Christians, we also experience serving God in our daily walk and enjoying the benefits which come from those interactions.


As I write this, I am sitting in our sun-room and enjoying the 13 grand-children's framed pictures hanging on the wall opposite me, and each picture brings back memories from the past (Bennet, our first Great-grandson has not yet been added to the cluster). Even now, our Grandchildren are beginning to serve others in various professions and creating what will be life-long memories for them.

Likewise, I'm certain that all of you who are reading this BLOG could share many family memories of your own! So, let's take our "quiet time" to savor all of our blessings. It's all about relationship!

Officer Leath Funeral Service

I am moved to add an additional photo and comment to this BLOG as I watch a Funeral procession on April 16th. for Officer Brean Leath of Indianapolis MPD, who gave her life in defense of citizens of Indianapolis. I was moved by her sacrifice and was extremely impressed by the outpouring of 800 or more police cars and thousands of people who came to support her and police officers all around our country. It is indeed all about relationship! The funeral procession followed this Funeral service, which was attended by 100's of people who wanted to pay their respect.