My wife, Peggy, and I were blessed to have five sons. Among them were two sets of twins. We now have nineteen precious grandchildren, as well. It is such a joy to be with each of them and all of them.
Most of our family members live in the PA-NJ area, so we miss them very much now that we live in Florida, and we get to see them usually only a couple of times a year. It seems that we miss them even more during the Christmas season.
Our hearts are filled with treasured memories of our family that cause my heart to overflow with thanks. I remember one time when one of my older twins got stuck in the chimney of our garage. He knew that Christmas presents were stored there, and he was determined to find a way to get to them.
We were away at the time, so when the babysitter called us, she said, "The fire trucks are on the way!" My heart was pounding when I heard those words, and then she explained what had happened. Fortunately, our son was extricated from the chimney and he didn't get to the presents.
I asked, "Paul, why did you try to go down the chimney?" He said, "Santa goes in that way!"
Another poignant memory involved one of our younger twins who was born with a heart condition known as Tetralogy of Fallot. Surgery was required when he was seven months old and five years old. I remember how Peggy and I were focused on only one thing while he was in the hospital—his full recovery. Worries about the bills and other concerns faded into oblivion. Only one thing counted. I praise God that Tim's surgery went well and now he serves others as a paramedic.
When you come right down to it, the most important things are our relationships in life—with God, our family, our friends, and others. Those are the only things that go on forever. It's so vital for us to invest our time in loving those who are important to us.
I love my wife, my children, their wives, and my grandchildren, and I know you feel the same way about yours. Let's keep loving them, praying for them, and helping them. "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that has his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate" (Psalm 127:3-5).
It's all about love, folks! May you and your family be exceedingly blessed during this Christmas season.
