One Thousand Years

Christa and I have questions to answer. As parents, some will need to be answered soon, and some later. Some will never be as important as we thought they would be and others, they just won't ever be answered. And most all questions will not matter in a thousand years.
In this finite life, my wife and I will soon be faced with the all-important childbirth question of epidural or no epidural?
Do we name our second-born after a Bible character, someone in our lineage, or after a poet?
How can we be most consistent toward a marriage-centered home and not child-centered?
Is Elliot colorblind or do red and green still not come easily for him?
Does home school, public school, or private school best suit our family and children?
Will children bury parents or will these parents bury their children?
How great is God's affection for us and will we be afraid to convey to our children our awe of Him?
Shouldn't our conversations with our kids be about God, all day long?
Can we and will we lose this life for the best life, an eternal inheritance and a heavenly dwelling? (2 Corinthians 5)
Do we really believe? Or am I satisfied to never share God's glory with my neighbor and accept the likelihood of his eternity separated from God?
Lord-willing, I will see my neighbor in the morning.
And I will wake up for only so many more mornings.


Elliot has begun speaking and his words are communicating so much about what he sees, thinks and loves. It really is beautiful to see the wonder, enthusiasm and innocence in his person. He has yet to ask us any specific questions. He has not stumped us yet with, "How can God see me in the dark?" and "Daddy, why didn't you ask mommy for forgiveness?" He will be asking questions soon and everything will change. My hope is that we will be praying together as dad and son to be men of strong bones and soft hearts. Strong bones, steeled with truth; soft hearts, melted by grace (thank you Sammy Rhodes).


In a thousand years, circumcision, parking tickets, 3G, hospital bills, IRA, photographs, dirty dishes, backyard weeds, dust, facebook, worry, taxes and inflation will have no bearing on eternity. Just as Osama bin Laden's corpse will cease to be probably this month, my material self will cease to be, and very soon. Grandpa Dean is 83, he says he remembers being 16 years old like it was yesterday. It was. Life is a vapor. (James 4:14)


Elliot's parents will have many unanswered questions but will we answer for him clearly, consistently and humbly Who we belong to? (Deuteronomy 11:18-20)


We have another baby coming any day.
According to a mentor, if we have a boy, he will often ask himself as he grows up, "Do I have what it takes" and if we have a girl she will ask, "Am I beautiful and worth being pursued?"
And I must affirm both. Wholeheartedly.
Jesus was affirmed by his Father. God said," This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased." A son must be affirmed.


Uncle Ben, praying for your transition, your safety and that you see God's glory, downrange. I thank God he is with you.