7:10 p.m. Today's project was to host a Father's Day barbeque celebration for my husband Steve, dad Oliver, and our kids. Daddy came over, I gave him a kiss and greeting, and then went upstairs for a nap. We had hosted a birthday party for our friend Michelle, with 50-60 friends and family in attendance, and more food of all kinds than we had room to put out! Cleanup, though graciously headed up by Shea Rendle, wasn't over until midnight. Add my lengthy bedtime routine, which always features documenting praise reports in my binder and a bit of reading, and I think I went to bed around 1 a.m. Steve and I woke up at 7:00 as usual for 9:45 service, heard a sermon on the end times, and were blessed to see many go forward to accept Christ or to recommit their lives to Him. You can see how 30 minutes of shuteye were sorely needed!
Heidi and Pavel arrived, Nick and Heather came in shortly after, and we weren't expecting Kriss and Marisela until later. The conversation Sunday was lively while we snacked and I shucked corn. Daddy was mesmerized by Chris Wallace's "Fox News Sunday." Steve, though an honored guest, likes to stay busy, so he cleaned the barbeque grill with crumpled foil while I got the condiments out and Heidi tore up lettuce and set it out. We have homegrown yellow and red tomatoes now, so I used the sections of our servingware for those, the onions and the cheese slices. The corn, burgers and hot dogs were ready at the same time, the table was set with all condiments and corn cob prongs, so off we went to the dining room table, got Steve rounded up and situated, and Pavel said grace.
We were full swing into all manner of subjects, from Stonehenge to Heather's most annoying celebrities list, to "Man vs. Wild," when there was a loud knock at the door. Fully expecting Kriss, I did not believe my eyes when I saw our grandson Xavier! Older brother Adrian came loping up, and hugs and kisses exploded around the living room. Sean and his fiancee Pamela followed. Praise the Lord, we had enough food for four unexpected guests...I think our "loaves and fishes" multiplied!
After dinner, we had the dads pose together as they opened their presents. More funny--or rather, ludicrous-- conversation and our afternoon came to an end. Kriss called to say that he and his wife decided to spend the day with her family down in Long Beach, and that's perfectly fine. We love them, too!
As our family expands, we want to make sure to love all of our in-laws with the love of Christ. That means being flexible and considerate. I am so grateful that they love our children too!
The Apostle Peter, in the 3rd chapter of his first epistle gives these instructions for all believers, v. 8:
"Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude."
God's Word works every time it's tried!
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