A Time to Mourn and a Time to Dance

It's funny to think of those words from Ecclesiastes. Even after all that has happened over the last few months, when I hear those words I think of Kevin Bacon's character in Footloose using scripture to convince the Town Council to allow a school dance. Let's Hear It for the Boy...

Those words came to mind again this weekend. My sister's family was in town for the Midland Christian/Fort Worth Christian football game. Bailey didn't come in from Abilene for the game. She is too busy and "happy" at ACU. I put quotation marks around that word because it is hers and it is significant considering where she's been. Hutton thrilled us by playing the best game he's ever played. His special teams play was the icing on a cake that included a couple of sacks and breaking up two passes during a goal line stand. His Grandmothers were high-fiving in the stands! All this in a week which also included giving his testimony to thousands at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes gathering in Midland. It was a much needed time to dance.

On Saturday morning we gathered at my parents house for breakfast. Hutton had gone home on the team bus and Reagan had to get back to Midland for his football game that night, so they had to hit the road as soon as the meal was finished.

As Tod, Lee Ann and Reagan backed down the drive it was evident what a difference a year has made. Last year, they would have had four kids in the car, this year they had one. We celebrate Bailey's good college experience and thank God for the community she has found there. We burst with pride over Hutton's accomplishments and his desire to be part of a team with it's ups and downs and long bus rides.

And Reagan...well Reagan embodies life celebration. He is full of energy and joy. Seeing him sitting alone in the back seat on Saturday morning however, was reason once again to mourn. The grief goes on, but we are doing our best not to miss the dance.