I freely confess, I joyfully declare, I am among the most blessed men who has ever lived. 

This week, our grandson learned to ride a horse. He may be eighteen years old, but he is demonstrating one of life’s most beneficial lessons: Never be afraid to learn something new or to try something wonderful for the first time.

Our curly-haired blonde and soon-to-be four-year-old illuminated every space she inhabited. We get to spend next weekend celebrating 1,460 days of life and counting.

We very much enjoyed our soon-to-be one-year-old granddaughter this week. She joined me each morning as we worshiped God together. The moon spoke its “Good Day” as it slipped away into the far edge of the sea just as the sun declared to all the sleepyheads on our side of the world, “Good morning!”

Our first hour of the glorious mornings was filled with wonder. We talked and sang, played and cuddled. We enjoyed allowing the others their extended rest.

These verses came to full expression.

The Maker of Heaven and Earth blessed us. He blesses us still. 

We will welcome home our dogs this morning before we leave for worship. What a reunion that will be! What a nap they will need today after a week at the kennel! Ollie will have kept everyone in line. Millie will have looked for a quiet spot to be alone without much success until now. Her bathtub behind the shower curtain awaits. 

Worship will be full of fresh memories to thank God for. It will be filled with overflowing hearts of gratitude for daily blessings. It will provide space and time to celebrate all the good things God has blessed us with. 

After a week where God did some of his most creative work, we are home celebrating all these verses mention. Our children, grandchildren, and God’s good earth fill our hearts with gratitude and joy. How could we not worship? How could we not sing praise?

—

I will sing and celebrate our Father in heaven who gives us loved ones, beautiful spaces, and a place to call home.

—

Our Father, thank you for family. Thank you for children, grandchildren, and beautiful places to share with them now and forever. Amen.