THINGS I HAD NOT THOUGHT ABOUT

This last weekend we had a cousin reunion with Mary's cousins. Since having this special time together, I have been thinking of some things that I wish to share with our grandchildren. Most of the cousins are now in their 70s. They all grew up within about a mile of each other. They are kind, considerate and are walking with the Lord. They are very special people now spread out over the US. As I was growing up in NW Iowa, I found the Lord as my Savior and sought Him about my future and my future mate. I now can see how God in heaven had His eye on me  and a gal named Mary NW of Salina, KS, who was also being raised in a Christian family. God in His greatness knows how to put the right people together. I confess my prayer and thoughts were only concerning the girl God had planned for my wife. I now see the importance of what goes far beyond just that person. In bringing Mary and me together, He was bringing two families together. I want to share the importance and blessing of that. We now had two sets of parents that were praying for us. Though 3 of the parents are in heaven, we still have Mary's mom that not only prays for us but also for our children and grandchildren. We hear her audibly praying in the morning. What a blessing that is. (In my praying for a mate, I had not thought about that.) Then there is the uncles, aunts and cousins that are of special influence and prayer. I was so impressed with their interest in needs in our family and commitment to pray. (I had not thought about that.) Then there is the blessing of "Christian Heritage". In Exodus 20:6 in the New Living Translation: "But I lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commands, even for a thousand generations." (I had not thought about that.) I also had not thought about six children and who they would marry and then 24 grandchildren and great- grandchildren to come. Those things do not escape our Father's attention. I now realize that God saw my heart and prayer and a girl in Kansas that was blessed in a Christian family and graciously brought us together. Observing Mary's mom, siblings and cousins this past weekend has caused me to praise God for bringing two families together and the ongoing blessing that it is. I challenge our grandchildren to think about these things as you approach that all important decision of marriage. God knows who you need and how He wishes to bless you. Mary and I are praying for that all important decision in your life.