Our youngest turned 15 today...and promptly prodded his mother to take him to get his driving permit.

He passed.

I arrived home from work when he promptly decided it was time to open his presents.

He gasped.

Yes, his brother bought him roasted crickets and meal worms for his birthday!  The fact that they came in "custom" flavors of "sour cream and onion" and "cheddar cheese" respectively only enhanced the joy of the fellows in the house.

His mother and sister gasped...and the boys and I loved every minute of it!

We went out to the car to go to Chinese food - Kyle's choice.  With the car unlocked, Kyle slipped into the driver's seat.

WE ALL GASPED.

We love the boy, but we were thinking it would be better to actually arrive at the restaurant without the aid of emotional duress, distress and in a state of complete dishevelment.  Or a tow truck.  With its flashing lights on.  He sat in the back.

I think he was as relieved as the rest of us.

All three of our kids are now in "some state" of being able to operate a motor vehicle.  I would like to joke that the two youngest would only have skill to drive something that runs on batteries, but since they make those things full-size now, I'll refrain from the insult.  All of this reminds us that pretty soon we'll have three in college.  I'm just glad there is only one daughter meaning there will only be one wedding to foot the bill for.

I know, she'll make us gasp...

As we move through the seasons of life with our family and eventually into an empty nest, we find the meaning that Christ brings all the sweeter.  Even in the midst of hard times that effects nearly all of us, life is good because God is good.  'Been to several third world countries and have seen happiness that was completely void of materialism.  Saw those faces while standing in church.  These folks were so overwhelmed by heavenly joy that they continued to smile, even while I was preaching.  Knowing Jesus does that to a person...

But then again, there was a translator who may have been preaching a much better message than I...

I pray that for our kids as well...the joy part.  They've been hearing their dad preach for too many years.  Probably thought I was speaking a foreign language a bunch to the time too.

Began this blog with a "pass" that moved into several "gasps."  When this life is done we all want something more.  The kids are turning out okay, so a "pass" instead of a "gasp" may be in order.  However the hope and joy for each of us are a few other words that we want to hear...

'Was thinking about, "Well done, good and faithful servant."