Thursday, January 06, 2005

Hi, my name is Lauren. I'm 25, single, and this year when my family gathered for Christmas, my dad couldn't remember what town we were in.

Over the past several years, my dad's memory has slowly been deteriorating, along with the rest of his body. He's 71, 72 in April. I'm his youngest child.

My most vivid memories of my grandparents is of times when they would babysit me at the senior's home where they lived, and I spent what often seemed like most the time trying to convince my grandma that she didn't have to leave and go home, that she was home.

Born from my the experiences of my youth, one of the deepest desires of my heart has been for my wife and children to really get to know my parents as I knew them, and for my parents to get to know my family.

God is the God of the too late. God is the God of the 24 hours. God is the God of the impossible. So often, too late at just the right time, overnight, God readily and easily does what can't be done.

I have no kids, no wife, no girlfriend and no prospects. Dad has already changed dramatically from the man I once knew. God, it already seems to be too late. 24 hours are too many! When you look at my dad's health and the current state of my "love life," the fulfillment of this desire is impossible! And yet, you promised! Just the right girl at just the right time... Wasn't that it?

I will wait, I will wait, I will wait upon the Lord, for I fear His holy name, I will wait, I will wait, I will wait upon the Lord.

If only it felt that simple.