Graduation weekend

The Graduate

Can't really believe it's been four years. Four years since he played violin for graduation from high school. Four years since we drove to Minnesota to move him in to the dorm. Four years since our third son went to college.  And now he's graduated. Wow. 

I had a wonderful time all weekend. Part of it was the fact that that was my last really good out-of-town, completely-free, no-real-responsibility weekend for a while. Part of it was spending time with my wonderful family (except Jonathan, who is wonderful, but wasn't able to go with us). Part of it was spending time with people who have contributed to Sean's life: Levi, Alan, Sarah, Kristie, Julia, Pastor Will and others. 

Part of it was the incredible orchestra concert Friday evening, the choir concert Saturday evening, the trip to the cities, the food at Panera Bread, the pizza at Basil's Sunday night, the waffles at the Waffle Shop, the Indian fare at Chapati's in Northfield. 

And of course, the great joy and satisfaction a father has in seeing his son or daughter having accomplished a great feat. We are proud. And thankful. And blessed. 

The Belle of the Ball

The annual Teen Banquet was Friday, May 9 -- and what a Banquet it
was! We had the largest turnout yet -- 89 young people, from Junior
High to 12th grade. The committee did a great job decorating the room
(theme: "Twilight in Venice"). Dr. VonBergen (aka "Antonio") did some
amazing physics tricks and involved the students very well. We hired
a local juggler who did a fantastic job. But -- the best part of it
was seeing Michelle my Belle dressed up so pretty. Wow! Is there
value in dressing up and having a great evening of fellowship with
friends and family? Yes, there certainly is! Maybe it's that it
reminds us of the finer things -- the things above, where one day we
will be living!

Where there's a will ...

"We should not ask, 'What is God's will for me?' We should rather ask, 'What is God's will for the world and how do I fit in to that plan?'" -- from Perspectives Course. 

Putting away

Joshua to the Israelites: "Now therefore, put away the foreign gods which are in your midst, and incline your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel." Foreign gods ... in our very midst? Surely not. Surely not materialism, pride, self-importance, status, glamor, sports, prominence. Putting them away is so needed. But, it doesn't stop with the negative command to "put away." It also thankfully includes the positive command to incline my heart to the Lord. Daily. Minute by minute. It's the daily walk, the daily time with Him. The closer I am to Him, the less I will be attracted to the foreign gods.