There is little more deeply pleasing, more refreshing, more satisfying than witnessing those you love taking delight in one another’s presence. I had such an opportunity the evening after my father’s funeral when I spent most of my time lying on a love seat in Dan and Christie’s living room. My daughter, Susan, had driven over from the Lexington area. Ben is attending college at Murray. Sam, his wife, Sara Jane, and their two sons were there. Mike’s wife, Sarah, had driven over from North Carolina with their five kids. Except for the babies, the children spent most of their time with Reese in the playroom. I mostly rested with my left leg elevated on the arm of the couch, listened and watched.

All of my bloodline grandchildren were under one roof, including Susan’s yet unborn child. And I was there, too. I looked around at the controlled mayhem of imagination and activity, I studied the faces of my children and their spouses, watched them listen to one another, respond, laugh together. I heard voices from the kitchen where Dan and Christie were busy getting more food ready. I listened to the sounds of children creating their own universe of fun and activity.

I believe God was smiling with me.

H. Arnett
8/25/09