Monday, February 25, 2008

Journey


On most Monday nights we have ZEAL meetings at Pastor Dave's house. A group of us gather together to plan out the services and try to figure out what exactly God wants us to do with our efforts and talents.

The next ZEAL worship gathering is entitled "Journey." Alex usually comes up with a little flyer or something to post on-line to help promote the event. This time the image he came up with was that of a tree. I remember thinking, "Okay, I don't know what a tree has to do with a journey, but sure...why not?"  And then during the last meeting he explained his reasoning...I found it very interesting. Allow me to paraphrase what he said...

The tree goes on this journey. It starts as a seed and then the roots begin to grow deep into the ground. From there the tree begins to spring up and grow. As Christians we need to get rooted in the Word so that we can grow higher and closer to God. 
Sometimes things get in the way of the trees growth...like a bridge or an electrical wire, but the tree finds a way to go around it and grow somehow [this is true, I've seen it, I think it's amazing]. In the same way, we encounter obstacles in our life and we must find a way to grow. And as our roots grow go deeper we become more firm and grow higher. In order to grow higher, we must grow deeper. 

Hm. Made ME think. Who knew Alex had such profound thoughts?? ;-)

Anyway...I wanted to mention that my grandmother (my dad's mom) has been diagnosed with cancer. She's very old and has many other health problems as well. The truth is, we don't know how much longer she will be with us. I have decided to travel to Nicaragua (where she and my grandfather live) in order to be with her perhaps for the last time and to comfort my father. I can't imagine the pain he must be feeling in losing his own mother. I will be leaving on Sunday, March 2nd and returning that Wednesday. Please pray for my family. My grandmother is such a wonderful lady with a beautiful soul. She and my grandfather have been married for over 55 years. She has been a mother to 7 children who love her dearly. And a grandmother to many others who think the world of her. I remember when she would come to visit us in Miami and she would play guitar and sing songs about Nicaragua. She was always so happy and vibrant. She would always sleep in my room and we would talk about...everything. I know that since I last saw her (over a year ago) she has been struggling with alzheimer's. I haven't seen how the disease has affected her firsthand, but I have heard stories from my dad. It's very sad. I love my grandmother like you just wouldn't believe. 

She's not gone yet. But like I said, who knows when her time will come...I'm looking forward to making the trip down there and seeing her and my grandfather...but I also know the trip will be a difficult one. 

As I said before, please pray for her...for my grandfather...for my dad...for us to continue on our journey of life and become more deeply rooted in the Word of God so that we may grow from this experience and rely more on our God. 

8 comments:

Anne Marie said...

I always like what Alex contributes. You did well, grasshopper :) Anyway, I will definitely be praying for you and your family. My grandfather had cancer, and my grandmother was diagnosed with dementia (like Alzheimer's) and I hafta say... the mental illness is much harder to deal with. By God's grace, you and I can find beauty in the broken. That's my prayer for you, love.

Merari said...

Wow. Alex is deep.. like the roots of trees. hehe. (I can be deep too).

I wish i had wise words of comfort, but you know me and words...

all I can say is I will be praying for your family and I love you ::hug::

Lauren said...

Wow... sometimes I forget how creative alex really is. He has a great point and a good perspective on how a christian lives there life.

I will keep your family in my prayers, I sure that you will bring laughter and love to a difficult situation. If you need anything don't hesitate to call.

Gabby said...

of course I'll be prayin

alexita said...

props to alex! :)

i will definetly be praying for you. a family friend of mine is currently battling cancer, and i know how hard it is on the family. i will be praying for you and your family. if you need anything im here! :)
<333

Anonymous said...

you will be in our prayers. just prepare yourself she may not be the woman you remember is she's battling alzheimer's as well. Praying for God's grace and love on all of you.

Jescel said...

I know exactly how your father feels at this moment. Does your grandma know the Lord? If she does, then be comforted in the knowledge that she's going to be with the Lord soon. If not, then I pray that God will give you the boldness to share Jesus to her. In any case, be strong and courageous, because you are serving a mighty God.

By the way, amen to Alex's Tree-journey explanation. God is paradoxical - for us to go higher, we must go deeper! Indeed.

Janell said...

i am so sorr about your grandmother..my grandma had alzheimers too and it wasnt easy..but we loved her and did everything we could to make her comfortable..i will definitely be praying for your trip and your family especially your dad becasue i know how hard it was to see my dad hurting...if you need anyone to talk too i am here my friend!!! love you!!