the great gift of family

Have you ever pondered what a gift is? If I were to ask my girls they'd say something like a present at Christmas or your birthday. They'd be right, but I'm thinking of gifts of a different type -- those that come from the Lord.
On our recent trip to Iowa for Easter, I gained a new perspective on what it means to have a "Godly heritage."We spent a lot of time with my (Jolene's) mom and dad over the week and snuck in some extra time with a few of my brothers and sisters. I found such a precious gift in seeing our girls interact with my family. There was love and interest shown to each of the girls. There were moments of teaching given to them. There was no lack for hugs and kisses on the cheek. Laughter was found to be like a happy brook flowing throughout each day.

There were little ones toddling and crawling among the lanky legs of more grown up cousins, and for each little one was a set of arms glad to hold them or the sure hand of a mommy or daddy ready to "rescue" them. For every age and size there was a sense of care and surety to life because of the care and surety of the Lord's work in the lives of those around them.

This, I've discovered, is a rare and precious gift. A "Godly heritage" being passed down from one generation to the next, just as was promised to Abraham, and as it is promised to those who have been diligent to "train up [our children] in the way they should go."

The photos (in order of appearance): Anna and Rachel with Grandpa Leo and Grandma Sheri; Elly with her buckets of Easter goodies; Jolene's niece Hannah sitting with her daddy; Rachel gets a chance to walk Pig with her cousin Laura; and Anna gets driving lessons from Grandpa.