These next two months represent a curious mixture of excitement, joy, and sorrow as we watch Grace finish up highschool. It is so much fun to watch her finish strong.I am looking forward to graduation because I know she is looking forward to it and because it will be such joy to celebrate with her. It is exciting to anticipate with her and for her all that awaits her in college. But there are moments when waves of sadness wash over me as I think about all the things that are ending. She went to her last horn lesson a couple of weeks ago. Going along with her to her lessons (an hour away) was always a bonding time for us. She performed in her last solo and ensemble competition last week. It was especially poignant because she and Jed performed together-- for the last time. Soon we'll be going to the last track meet, the last band concert, and sending her off to her last day of school. When she was a brand new baby I remember someone saying "they don't stay little for very long." It's so true. Where have the last eighteen years gone?  But a friend said to me the other day, "I remember doing all the 'last things' my senior year too, but just think, soon there will be a whole bunch of 'first things.'"

A dear friend of ours, a woman in her eighties, is hovering close to death in a hospital even as I type. She told my husband last night that she is looking forward to seeing Jesus but she feels so bad about leaving her sweet husband. I knelt in prayer in the middle of the night last night and asked God to spare her because it makes us all so sad to think of her being gone. But then I think of all  the eternal first things that await her and I feel that same curious mixture of excitement, joy, and sorrow for her and for us all.

On Jordan's stormy banks I stand

And cast a wishful eye

To Canaan's fair and happy land

Where my possessions lie.

All over those wide extended plains

Shines one eternal day

There God, the Son, forever reigns

And scatters night away.

Iam bound, I am bound

I am bound for the promised land.

I am bound, I am bound

I am bound for the promised land.

No chilling wind nor poisonous breath

Can reach that healthful shore

Where sickness, sorrow, pain and death

Are felt and feared no more.

I am bound, I am bound

I am bound for the promised land.

I am bound, I am bound

I am bound for the promised land.

When shall I see that happy place

And be forever blessed

When shall I see my father's face

And in his bosom rest

I am bound, I am bound

I am bound for the promised land

I am bound, I am bound

I am bound for the promised land.