Thursday, March 8, 2012

my turn...

Welcome back to the show. It's me, Mr. Peppley.

Can you believe it was three months ago that precious little Anna Joy was born? Yup. Just three short months. But...it feels like it's been about three years. I think we are still in slow-motion. Not as "super slow motion" as we once were, but still perty darn slow. I'd say while we used to be about as slow as molasses in January (if anyone can accurately tell me that movie, I'll send you a ten dollar bill!), we are now about as slow as real maple syrup at room temperature.

Anyways ... does anyone besides my wife get tired of my poor attempts at humor? If so, please tell me and I'll put myself out of your misery. Until then, you will get more. Ha. So there.

Yes, we miss Anna Joy. Lots. And missing her still hurts. Lots. But there's always a "but" when we feel our hurts. Let me 'splain-no, let me summup. Pretty much my whole life I've had an intimate relationship with the hymn "It is well." You know, the one that has the sea billows rolling? And saying whatever the cost, I'll say it is well (it is well), with my soul? Ya, that one. Well, while I have always loved that song, I've always asked myself "when the time comes, and the sea billows are...billowing, will I indeed be able to say 'it is well with my soul?'" Well (no pun intended), I think I can honestly say that through dealing with Anna's whole story, I have been (more or less) able to say that I have praised God through it all.

Have I doubted? Yes. Have I cried out in anguish? Yes. Have I been angry? Yes. But - I have also tried my darndest to stay true to the God who loves me.

So there you go. Or there you have it. Or take it for what it's worth. But please don't think I'm bragging about my phenomenal Christianity abilities, that are able to bend a bow of bronze. No no no no no no nononono. I'm just a guy who faced a storm, and am able to look into the smiling, crying face of Jesus, and say "I love you. With all my heart."

I still miss my baby girl. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I am jealous of her, though. See, she gets to be with Jesus right now. I can't wait to get there. What a glorious day that will be.