1-5-04

Heavilin Herald

January 5, 2004

We have just entered into a new chapter of our lives. Last Saturday evening we closed the door on our life as the owners of the old Victorian house on Grant Street. The house had been emptied, some of the furniture had been sent off to Matt; Mellyn had taken the furniture she wanted, the carpet was cleaned, the keys were ready to be handed to the Realtor. Our job was finished, so we drove away.
On Sunday morning we drove from Banning to Morro Bay. As we drove past Redlands and San Bernardino, I recalled many momentous events that happened in these areas. We arrived in San Bernardino in 1966. Matt was almost 7; Mellyn was almost 5; and Nathan was 6 months old. All of our kids attended grade school, junior high, and high school in the San Bernardino School System. Our kids' graduations and weddings occurred there. I received my BA from CSUSB and Glen earned his MBA from there. Of course, to me, the most significant event is that Nathan died there. As we drove past Montecito Cemetery, I waved good-bye to the boys and to my folks.
In 1986 we moved to the house on Grant Street. Redlands represented a new life and many new opportunities for us: LifeHouse Theater, The Fourth of July Band, P.E.O., the Christ with Children statue, Kimberly Crest, and most importantly the First Congregational Church, as well as gaining many wonderful friends.
One thing I have learned is that God has never moved us from one situation without bringing us even greater opportunities in the next situation.
Can life get better than Redlands? I am reminded of the verse that states: "‘For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'" (Jeremiah 29:11). We're taking Him at His word.