CREATIVE JOY AMID SORROW

 


9/11. We lived in eastern Pennsylvania 24 years ago and witnessed first-hand the sight of abandoned cars in parking lots left by people who had ridden the bus to work in New York City that day and never returned for their vehicles. We grieved as a nation over the attack on the Towers and mourned with those who lost loved ones in that tragic terrorist attack.

My wife, Carmen, was not in Pennsylvania that day. She watched the news in a hospital room in Minneapolis where our daughter-in-law Dorinda was preparing for the birth of our third granddaughter. The doctors and nurses were somewhat distracted, but Lanie Jo Allen arrived later that day in good health.

We remember 9/11 each year with sorrow, but also with joy. Lanie continues to be a source of blessing to our entire family.

Isn’t that often our experience in life? Sorrow is mixed with joy. The pathway is not always smooth. We live in the midst of evil because of the sinful choices of fallen men. At the same time we learn with the psalmist that in the presence of the Lord “there is fulness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).

Happy birthday Lanie Jo.

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