For those tears...

This morning began with a good cry.  My time with our church family only brought more tears.  The worship this morning was a beautiful celebration of Jesus.

It is an emotional time for me as I prepare to get on a plane in the morning to go and visit my family in Kansas.  My Daddy is not doing well and so I will be joining my two sisters to spend time with my parents for a week.

Quite honestly?  I'm a mess.  In many ways, I am prepared for whatever is going to happen.  But as I watch football and type these words, I can't help reminiscing.  It was "our thing"- mine and my Dads- we would watch  5 football games together every weekend from Friday night through Monday night.

He taught me so much- about football, about Jesus, about life.  This will never change- this impact that he has had on me.  But I miss him so much already.

I am preparing my heart to simply show this great depth of love that I have for him.  I can't wait to give him a hug and kiss his cheek.

I am quite sure that there will be many tears shed this week.  It is the reality of this life that we will all have to face losing someone we love.

And so, I covet your prayers.

For my sweet kids who will be going through their first full week of school without me.  For their Daddy who has an incredibly busy week without having all of the extra responsibility.  For my dear church family who has stepped in to help.

And for me and my "first" family- pray that it will be a sweet time for all of us.  Pray that we would trust in God's perfect plan, that we would rejoice in the incredible blessings that we have been given, that we would encourage one another.

"For in the day of trouble, he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock." (Psalm 27:5)

I plan to take a blogging break this week as I focus on my family.  I may write posts for my kids before I leave, so you are welcome to come back any time.  All the best to you and yours!