I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord today. (Psalm 122)

Happy Sunday, friends! I trust that you have included church in your plans for today. For me, worship is a natural response to this amazing life we are privileged to live. What a great adventure! and what a constant cause for gratitude and thanksgiving!

This morning, Rebekah will baptize Rebekah-Mae (guest/designated baptizer…!) in the local Congregational Church. One more reason to celebrate; although just being here is reason enough!

GRANDCHILDREN: Saturday involved a lot of fun with our beautiful grandchildren, David and Rebekah-Mae. We arrived here at Naomi and Craig’s house late Friday evening, and it’s been “all grandchildren, all the time,” ever since.

David is now almost 21 months, and Rebekah-Mae is three and a half weeks.  The first photograph (above right) says it all. David enjoys his books, and he enjoys climbing on the coffee table; so why not combine the two and stake out the best reading spot in the house?

Of course, if the coffee table isn’t available, then there’s always his personal lounging chair. Rebekah and I have already noticed that, even though there are all sorts of high-tech and battery-operated toys available, David tends to go for the more traditional selections. Blocks, legos, his wooden train set, farm animals, and – not that we’re all that surprised – his books.

“BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM” – Then there was the hour of non-stop running around the back garden. Chase the ball, kick the ball, pick some flowers, chase granddaddy, kick the ball again. I’m convinced he’s a natural soccer talent! But, then again, who’s grand-kid isn’t? What I particularly enjoyed was David’s persistence. Run, run, run; boundless energy; complete enthusiasm; tenacity; lots of focus.

I so appreciate the fact that many of David’s favorite games involve him having to make something happen rather than some passive “push the button and wait.” It has been said that a child’s work is play, and it’s very much the truth that David works hard at his fun.

ESSAY: Then this last shot – below my signature – is a complete essay in itself. Rebekah, so glad to be with Rebekah-Mae, rocking her granddaughter in the living room while David sits close by, contemplating his next move, or book, or construction project.

It is so good to see Naomi with her children. She’s such an obviously good mother, so patient and so positive with them all the time. And Craig is such a great dad. He may work long hours at the grocery store, but he is completely present with his family. They visit daddy at work, he’s always on the phone, and he is wonderful in every possible way when he comes home.

So that’s the news from Moodus, Connecticut, where the family are healthy and happy, and the children are too brilliant for words! So much to celebrate! – DEREK