A Story of Grace

Once upon a time, there was a middle-aged couple who had two young teenagers, a son and a daughter. These were people of virtue...simplicity...hard work. She worked as a teacher for many years. He farmed his land. They were respected...loved...admired.

For reasons that only God knew, Ervin and Mildred heard of two young boys who were in need of a home. They agreed that they would open their farm house and their very lives to these boys; they would provide the stability and security that had been so severely lacking throughout these boys' childhood.

And so, some 47 years ago, these two young boys without a home were accepted and brought into the family. And there they stayed. For the first time in their lives, they found unconditional love and discipline and training. While there was never paperwork declaring an official adoption, it wasn't necessary. These boys were their sons. This couple was their parents...and my grandparents.

While my dad didn't receive Christ as his Savior till I was a year old, I believe with all my heart that the godly example of my grandparents was part of what God used to prepare his heart and make him tender to His call. I believe that God answered the many prayers offered by this couple on their children's behalf. And I believe I am blessed---so blessed---by the ongoing story of God's grace in our lives.

Yesterday we gathered for the first family reunion this family has shared in many years. While my grandparents were still alive, we gathered regularly for holidays and family events. But since Grandpa went home to be with Jesus 12 years ago, and Grandma joined him 5 years later, our get-togethers have been far too infrequent.

And so this weekend, the family flew in from all over the country. It was great to hug the necks of aunts, uncles, and cousins I'd not seen in a long time. It was great to see their kids and hear their stories. But perhaps most precious of all was seeing the powerpoint presentation...the pictures of God's grace throughout the years. Sitting with my guys around me, we had this visual reminder of how God assembled a family from different places and backgrounds and knitted their hearts together. Surrounded by dearly-loved aunts and uncles and cousins, God reminded me how He hand-picked my grandparents...at just the right time...to be the ones who would love and train and disciple my dad's heart for a life of love and training and discipleship to his own family. And my heart is overwhelmingly grateful for how God used them to show us His grace, His character, and His beautiful, perfect plan.

For more on this story, view a previous entry here.