Tomorrow we leave and begin our arrivals to an entirely new and unknown part of our lives. So much goes through my mind when I think about all the possibilities and probabilities - those of you who know me probably understand this.
But this past week I've been blessed to continue a traditional family vacation (dad's been going for about 35 years). It reminded me a lot about what I value and ultimately speaks to the reasons I'm leaving on this journey. All my life my family has gone to a place called Pennellwood in Michigan. This year I've learned that it's one of the last of its kind - an American Family Resort. In past decades these places were HUGE attractions - families and friends came together and grew together one week every year. They ate together, played together, laughed together. When I was little and even now, I would rather go to our week at Pennellwood then almost anywhere else for vacation.
Yet things change, and Pennellwood, unfortunately, is no exception. I think about these changes and believe it signifies a change in how too many of us see our families and how we prioritize our lives. Yet I don't want to give up to these changes in family dynamics, and certainly not family values that places like Pennellwood can foster. And despite needing to change certain things Pennellwood seems to want to continue to foster as long as possible.
Pennellwood is only one of the many examples of being raised with communities and strong family connections. It is through these communities that I have recently and repeatedly been shown how blessed I am. People's generosity in prayer, support and love has been tremendous and so freely given that I am amazed and awed. I thank each one of you, and wish to remind you that whether you've touched my life directly or that of any of my family - I am who I am today because of the people in my life. So as I go forth to face the many unknowns, the challenges, the joys and graces that await me, know I take pieces of each of you with me, confident in the knowledge that I am never alone. Again Thank You.
God Bless
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Where to Begin
Tomorrow we leave and begin our arrivals to an entirely new and unknown part of our lives. So much goes through my mind when I think about all the possibilities and probabilities - those of you who know me probably understand this.
But this past week I've been blessed to continue a traditional family vacation (dad's been going for about 35 years). It reminded me a lot about what I value and ultimately speaks to the reasons I'm leaving on this journey. All my life my family has gone to a place called Pennellwood in Michigan. This year I've learned that it's one of the last of its kind - an American Family Resort. In past decades these places were HUGE attractions - families and friends came together and grew together one week every year. They ate together, played together, laughed together. When I was little and even now, I would rather go to our week at Pennellwood then almost anywhere else for vacation.
Yet things change, and Pennellwood, unfortunately, is no exception. I think about these changes and believe it signifies a change in how too many of us see our families and how we prioritize our lives. Yet I don't want to give up to these changes in family dynamics, and certainly not family values that places like Pennellwood can foster. And despite needing to change certain things Pennellwood seems to want to continue to foster as long as possible.
Pennellwood is only one of the many examples of being raised with communities and strong family connections. It is through these communities that I have recently and repeatedly been shown how blessed I am. People's generosity in prayer, support and love has been tremendous and so freely given that I am amazed and awed. I thank each one of you, and wish to remind you that whether you've touched my life directly or that of any of my family - I am who I am today because of the people in my life. So as I go forth to face the many unknowns, the challenges, the joys and graces that await me, know I take pieces of each of you with me, confident in the knowledge that I am never alone. Again Thank You.
God Bless
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1 comment:
So glad to hear you made it there safe and the welcome so hospitable. I'm incredibly grateful for the blog updates to get a sense of how things are going for you. Things are well here and know you are all in our prayers. Love -Mom M
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