Because of what happened today, there were endless phone calls and texts and emails. It was busy, but wonderful to feel all the support of friends and family. Thank you so much.
All the girls arranged their schedules so that we could be together for dinner (Blake was at the football game) and talk about what happened today and some of our options for the future. It was amazing to watch what unfolded….
Mark shared about his day and the decisions that would have to be made and how it would affect each of them. Then he thanked them for being there and showing their wonderful support. He teared up as he expressed his thankfulness for each of them. Each of the girls told him how proud they were of him and declared their love for him. The tears continued. But then something happened that totally surprised him. Janay shared that she and Brittany had heard a conversation that he had had with a friend on the phone this afternoon. He wasn’t aware that they could hear him. He had said how that the people who were able to keep their jobs were completely deserving, and that he wouldn’t bad mouth the company inspite of their treatment of their employees through all of this. Both Janay and Britt said that they looked at each other, so proud, and said, “We have a really good dad!”
As they shared this, his face crumbled and he melted into tears. They had caught him being what they always knew he was…a great man. All three girls said that no matter what the future held, they had never been more proud of him. And he beamed through the tears streaming down his cheeks, saying, “This is all that matters…faith and family.”
Great conversation continued intermingled with laughter. Soon Blake and the boyfriends arrived and the conversation turned to embarrassing moments and stories and pictures of Africa. The table was full. There was a smile on every single face. But I think mine was the biggest.
I am crawling into bed with my weary husband now. We just had a great chat about how blessed we are. The day had started off difficult. But, as Mark said, “This was a really great night!” Tears still in his eyes. Smile still on his face.
As I turn off my light I will fall asleep to my husband’s much deserved rest and accompanying snore. The kids will be laughing and joking a little too loudly as they play Mario Cart together. And I will drift off with a grin. A full house. A full heart. Thank you, Jesus, for a “really great night!”
You have a great family, Jana and Mark. You are showing your kids and friends how to cope with whatever comes your way. I know new opportunities are around the corner for you–keep an open mind, regroup, and pat yourselves on the back for a job well done! Love you guys!
Thanks, Julie! Miss you terribly and hope that all of this might result in us heading back up to the NW very soon. 🙂 Wouldn’t that be awesome?! Love, love, love you!
Greetings to our “Cave” Family.
Lynne called and told us to read your latest blogs. Mom and I shared a few tears ourselves. We tend to think, “How unfair” but above and beyond that is the Sovereignty of Almighty God. Psalm 18:30. Actually the entire Psalm is a source of comfort and encouragement. Mom and I are so impressed with the response of your fabulous four. How special of them to be there for you in deep heartfelt love that oozes all over you. You have raised your offspring well and they have come through as vessels of support and comfort. Your example (both of you) before them is revealing itself as the light of His glorious grace shines through them to you. We are seeing as we grow older (not too old yet) that more and more of our testings come to us through the challenges and trials of our family. You and Mark are a most encouraging example and challenge to us as to how to handle adversity. Praise God for this.
I “sign off” with the following: “Dear friend, do notbe surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you. But REJOICE,that you participate in the suffering of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed hen his glory is revealed…So then, those who suffering according to God’s will should commit themselves to their FAITHFUL CREATOR and continue to do good.” I Peter 4:12-13, 19 WE LOVE YOU AND ARE PRAYING THAT THE PEACE OF GOD WILL RULE (UMPIRE) YOUR HEARTS.
WE LOVE YOU WITH ALL OUR HEARTS.
Mom and Dad J.
Thank you, Papa, for your sweet and beautiful words. We are definitely blessed with a great family, both within our home and the fantastic heritage we have of our extended family. Those of you who have gone before us and set an example for us to follow. Your love for God is where ours comes from. The “faith of our fathers” is precious to us and will mark the rest of our lives and our children after us. So thank you for that incredible foundation.
We have much to do in the coming days and weeks, but are already seeing God’s great hand and his crazy, makes-no-sense peace. Something that really can’t be described until it’s experienced. We feel the same peace we did thirteen years ago…a peace that allows sadness, but knows the God “from whom all blessings flow”.
As we work our way through the process of waiting and watching, we all share a sense of anticipation of what God will do next. And we are not afraid 🙂
Love you guys so much!
Jana
So great to read these posts from you today!
Jana,
Thanks for all you shared! Your kids are amazing, but I already knew that. lol As I read what you wrote there were tears streaming down my face, and a sense of pride in my heart for my big brother! Thank you for the peace, strength, and courage you’ve shown through all of this. It’s been a big encouragement to others already! We love you guys!
Lynne
Love you Lynne! Thanks for your sweet note. God is really, really good. And I am really, really thankful 😉 Hugs and more hugs…