As you read my post today, Steve and I will be driving home from Branson, Missouri after spending several days with two of our teenage grandchildren. Luke turned 17 on May 18, and he will be a senior in high school this year. Luke is Matt's oldest child. Margaret turned15 on May 17. She is homeschooled and somewhere between 9th and 10th grade in her studies. Margaret is Julie's second oldest child. Both are very musical, and both love being on stage, creating shows at Cousins Camp, and performing.
They created and directed the skits that were performed by our grandchildren at our 50th anniversary party. Here Luke is portraying Steve, and Margaret is portraying me. Notice Margaret's very red lipstick. :)
Recently, Luke played Uncle Fester in his school's production of The Addams Family. Margaret went with us to lend her support and enjoy the show. Too bad they had to cover up Luke's great, thick hair.
Since we didn't think we could quite swing New York City this year, we decided on Branson.
You will, no doubt, read much about our trip in the coming days. You'll learn about the "wins" of the trip and the "not-so-good parts." I anticipate that entertaining teenage grandchildren in 2022 is quite a bit different from entertaining my own teenagers in the 80's and 90's. Luke is our technology whiz, always keeps the latest iPhone, and will help with some of the driving. Margaret loves reading great novels, is one of my most dedicated piano students, and her family doesn't even own a television. They love each other and have a lot in common, but their home environments, daily activities, and food preferences are very different. It will be extremely interesting, to say the least.
The point of all this is to remind you (but mostly MYSELF) to savor the moments of life. To be IN the moment with the ones we love. To lean in when they want to share their hearts and to be cautious and alert when they want to be alone or keep things to themselves. To realize that Steve and I aren't exactly "cool" at this stage of our lives and that laughing at ourselves may be the only way to accept and acknowledge that fact. One of these days, when Steve and I are in heaven, Luke and Margaret might share memories of this trip with their own children and grandchildren. What incidents or conversations will make the deepest impression? What will cause them to laugh? What will make them cringe? What will make them smile or even shed a tear or two? We need to remember that not every moment worth cherishing is accompanied by a photo on Facebook or Instagram.
Please take a moment to pray for our safe travels home and that we will end the trip loving, understanding, and appreciating each other more than ever. Pray that Steve and I will not disappoint them in any way.
Proverbs 17:6 -- "Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children."
Proverbs 13:22 -- "A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children . . . ."
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