Cherished 2013 Memories

“What is your most cherished memory of this year?”  This is the last question in a book of 365 questions, designed to be answered briefly, five times over the period of five years.

An immediate snapshot came to mind, and with it, a settled peace.  I stood in a chapel in Monument, Colorado, reaching for a chunk of communion bread broken by a precious woman whom I’d met only a week before.  Doc and I had spent that week in intensive interviews and training and had now just been appointed and commissioned by Greater Europe Mission to work long-term in France.  The only sounds in the chapel were whispered words as the man-wife pastoral team administered communion.  Precious Words of life, Words Jesus Himself once spoke—“This is my body, broken for you.”  Then with the cup, “This is my blood, shed for you.”

And I just knew.  I knew this was right.  I knew this commission was right.  My destiny was sealed in that moment, oddly enough as the Lord reminded me that first and foremost I am His disciple.  My new calling was confirmed by this remembrance of my true identity—one for whom Jesus died.  His death and resurrection changes everything.  I can no longer live for myself.  Instead I have the privilege of serving at the pleasure of the King of Kings.  And King Jesus has led us to serve in France.

So taken by the glorious weight of this memory, I whispered the question to Doc.  The picture that first came to his mind was of a few moments prior, in that same chapel.  For the commissioning, each couple or single appointee was encircled by several mission leaders.  They read a Scripture chosen just for us, and prayed for God’s anointing in the work ahead.

Ten months later on New Year’s Day, 2013, Doc and I sat together, soaking in God’s presence as He confirmed our call once again.  We are grateful beyond expression for a year of preparation and growth. 

There are other precious 2012 snapshots:

-          The birth of our second grandchild, Carter—fighting illness to drive five hours to greet him

-          The decision to sell the house—sitting with a godly counselor  at our kitchen table

-          Ingesting the spectacular view from our new, temporary quarters

-          Waiting for Doc’s eye specialist to issue his update—praying for healing

-          Standing at my parents’ gravesite with my two living siblings

-          Grieving Dad’s second wife, Mama Bev, and our friends—Janet, Bob, Kay, and Lola

-          Closing my last Crown seminar presentation—fighting tears of joy and transition

-          Praying with financial and prayer partners— their hearts for the Great Commission

-          Meeting new mission-minded friends—at our garage sales and ministry presentations

-          Worshipping at the piano—praying that I’ll have access to one in France
Our son, Josef, standing at the door on Christmas Eve - a surprise visit

The New Year stretches before us, beckoning with new adventures that hold both excitement and risk.  As committed Christ-followers, we desire to do only what Jesus directs.  Here’s to another album of cherished memories with Him.