Hello friends and family of Relationship 180.
Happy Holidays!
How was your Christmas?
Ours was unusual.
Now that Kelly is married, we're officially empty nesters. What that means is that the normal hustle and bustle around the house was gone. We went to Saddleback Church for Christmas Eve and then out to dinner with family and all the "not-in-laws" (because they are not my in-laws, rather my kid's in-laws).
We were going to have Christmas dinner for 35 people at our house and within the last two weeks, my son Kevin and his wife requested dinner at their house.
We protested and then yielded to their wishes.
I looked at Kay and said, "We're so busy, and no one is coming to our house to celebrate, what if we didn't buy a tree or decorate the house?" This was music to her ears and within 30 seconds, we decided to do the unthinkable and not decorate our home. For the first time in 38 years, there was no tree or decorations.
Ultimately, it didn't feel as much like Christmas, and we both felt a bit sad that our house was not longer the action packed place it normally was. Christmas morning we sat around the fireplace drinking coffee, very quiet and feeling a bit melancholy about it all.
Later that day, at Kevin and Stephanie's house, we were all instructed to open a gift that was a 2010 calendar with all the grandkids' pictures. As we turned to August, there was a surprise Christmas gift. It read, "Merry Christmas, our new baby will be born this month." We all screamed and yelled and it was a wonderful family moment with all of the aunts and uncles, grand parents and great grand parents hopping up and down in glee.
Relationship 180's U turns...(that end up being right turns):
As I sat there, soaking it all in, it all made sense why the plans had changed.
There was something different that was going to happen-something different than I had imagined it to be.
I realized that my walk with God was much like this too. I set my heart on some outcome or answer to prayer, and when it doesn't happen, I find myself disappointed and asking God why.
Sometimes, He has something different in mind... perhaps a blessing I had never imagined....perhaps a protection.
As we enter into 2010, maybe we need to pray like crazy, yet hold on loosely. Our Heavenly Father knows what we really need and what is best for us.
Trust Him.
Relational Giving Opportunities:
Just this week, I began to look at my 2009 financial over view in preparation for tax season as well as to analyze where it all comes from and where it all goes.
We are fortunate in this country as Christians to be able to deduct from our taxable income gifts donated to charitable organizations. Last week I performed the wedding ceremony for one of the young pastors who shared his testimony at the R180 banquet last fall. He shared how R180 embraced him in his limited financial condition, and helped him work through emotional and relational issues with the Lord and others.
As they shared their vows, they knew who they were and what they were saying to each other as they began a new journey of marriage together. Your gifts allowed this happy ending to take place. For without the financial assistance of the R180 friends and family, we couldn't offer reduced fee counseling to Christian leaders and other families in need.
There are still two days in the year left and opportunity to help R180 fulfill the mission to offer reduced and low fee counseling to Christian leaders and families who are in need.
Would you consider making a year end donation?
Thank you and Happy New Year!
