April 11


A Child Grows Up


Though I am absent from you in my body, my heart is with you, and I am happy to see your good lives and your strong faith in Christ.

Colossians 2:5 (NLT)


I am absolutely thrilled. Next weekend, my son Drew comes home from college. He has been busy at school, and we have missed him. He’s taking 18 credit hours; he’s working; and he’s teaching three Chinese students English as a second language. We’ve hardly had a chance to talk with him on the phone, but what we have heard has been good. He’s enjoying school; he’s healthy; he’s getting some decent sleep; and life is good.

Drew is pretty content, but there are others in his family who aren’t.

Drew is a music man, and he’s focusing on voice. He’s really good too. Singing is his strength, his passion and his heart’s desire. This has sent quite a few of his relatives into serious head shaking.

“What’s he going to do for work?”

“Tell him to get a second degree.”

“Life’s too rough, too uncertain to focus on something that’s not in demand.”

And on it goes. Well intentioned, supposed common sense ... or is it fear? Is it mistrust ... or something else?

You can imagine my delight when Drew reported that he and his quartet, met with the President of the university. He hired them to perform at a series of high-level functions on campus. Wow! These young men are good! And yeah, a little money, a little fun, maybe even a little relief....

My son Drew comes home this week, and while I will certainly enjoy hearing his voice, my greater joy will be in seeing him face to face. That and giving him the biggest welcome home hug ever!


Father, thank You for this joy—for love that endures! Amen.