Two Hundred and One. Only One Life.

Only one life, 'Twill soon be past.
Only what's done for Christ will last.

There is a sense of urgency. There is always a sense of urgency when it comes to seeing loved ones come into an encounter with the true and living God.

But there is also an overriding sense that this urgency in in God's control. His timing is perfect. His ways are perfect.

I dozed off quite a bit during the afternoon and evening hours yesterday. Apparently, I talked to myself and a person named Squiggy. Overall, I had a pretty good night. I was able to get up out of my bed to use the bathroom on my own - small victories count! And my wife did a fine job managing my pain level. While I have no desire to suffer great pain, I do not want to be totally pain-free. I want to experience the wide range of feelings and emotions that accompay this process. I do not want to be a hero, I just want to know what is it like.

Sunday mornings begin quietly and slowly here. Quiet time with the Lord in His Word and reflecting on His Word in prayer and silent thanksgiving. About this time, the noise level creeps up as the household starts to come alive - the business of a four-year-old waking up, wanting to snuggle for a few minutes before jumping into his toys. Those first morning hugs, kisses and I love yous are very special times of the morning. Just to set the pace for the day.

Our fourteen-year-old daughter continues to be my sunshine. From the age of two. She has always had the ability to turn my day around with her smiles, here hugs, and her kisses.

As she becomes a busy teenager, absorbed by friendships and activities, I have a greater appreciation for the time we spend together. Her smiles mean more. Her hugs and kisses are sweeter. Our conversations are dearer.

I am determined that we need to be together more. I desire to listen to her and hear what is on her heart. I desire to help her know, as best I can, how much I love, respect and admire who she is and who she is becoming as a young woman following after Christ.

She is a delightful young lady. She needs to know that I see that in her. She needs to know that I am missing something great when I am not around her.

The household is bustling even more as the plebe climbs out of bed, gives his hugs and kisses, and prepares for a morning run.

It is 8 am. A helicopter looms overhead as the 13th Annual Steamtown Marathon gets underway less than a mile from here at the Forest City Regional School. In a few short, yet grueling hours for many participants, the race will end at Courthouse Square in Downtown Scranton.

My sister Ann is here, seemingly content, but always looking for things that she can do to help around around the house. She has the heart of a servant.

Papa Luigi and Grammy Jo are neatly tucked away at the motel in Honesdale. We anticipate reports on the activity level of the wedding party that stayed there last night as well. The Grands will be meeting our children at Canaan Bible Chapel for church at ten.

I think that my sister is going to see a friend later this morning.

If all comes to pass, my wife and I may be able to open up our Bibles together, listen to a message online, and prayerfully contemplate the love of God and His perfect plan for our day.

As I pray and thank God today, I ask: Can a man be any more blessed? Does it get any better than this? - I believe it does, because the Bible promises that it does! But I can only imagine.