If we had to summarize the year 2006 in a word it would be transitions. As we look back we are grateful for how God has guided, blessed, sustained and loved us. In January 2006 Chad began discussions with a pastor in Florida (of all places!) Over the course of the next two months the Lord led us to accept the position offered at Faith Presbyterian Church in Gainesville, Florida. We were thankful for the Lord’s provision and guidance. Though farther from family, we believed God was leading us to Faith PCA. The next two months were filled with preparations to sell our house and have baby #2.
Meredith Grace arrived May 30th without any complications. She screamed so loud all the nurses and doctors commented on her cry. Thankfully she is a happy, healthy baby, who doesn’t use her exceptional screaming abilities too often. We are thankful for the Lord’s blessings. Reed and Meredith are so very sweet together. It is fun to see them smile and laugh at each other. Reed is usually gentle and seems to really love her. We hope that they grow to be the best of friends. Reed is full of energy and makes us laugh daily. His vocabulary grows daily with his newest words being “cheese ball” thanks to his dad and uncle Keith. We are thankful to the Lord for the gift of children. They are so very dear to us and we pray that they grow to love and serve the Lord.
After being in Charlotte for 4 years it was difficult to say good bye. The Lord really blessed us in so many ways. We miss our friends from Uptown Church, InterVarsity, Dilworth Pediatrics (and my OB), Starbucks and RTS. We are particularly grateful to see how the Lord continues to develop Greek Ministry in the Blue Ridge. It will be fun to be back in Charlotte in February for the Greek Conference.
We are thankful for how the Lord protected us in our house search process and led us to our new home. We are settled in and very content with God’s provision. The church has warmly welcomed us into the church family. God has been gracious in providing us with friends almost immediately. Chad is learning a lot about church ministry and how to balance work and family life. Erin is learning how to stay sane (even joyful) home with two little kids, while still trying to work quarter time with Greek InterVarsity. Most days are very enjoyable and we are grateful for where the Lord has us.
With all the transition, we are thankful that the Lord doesn’t change, even when life around us is stressful, confusing, disappointing or painful. This year we’ve watched various people go through very difficult situations with tremendous grace and trust in God. These people have challenged and encouraged us to draw near to God and do all we can to know and love Him more. As we focus on the birth of Christ and what that means for this world, we want to remember that the most important relationship we can ever have is with God himself, through Jesus his son. God sent his son to earth as a baby to pay the penalty for all our wrongs. With the penalty for our sins paid, we can be at peace with God and have a relationship with Him here on earth. Wonderfully, we are also assured to be with Him in heaven for all eternity as we “hold fast our confession firm until the end.” The promise of Heaven is a tremendous comfort now when we lose loved ones and a future hope that should compel us to get to know God better while here on earth.
May your Christmas and year 2007 be one of many blessings from the Lord.
With love, The Grindstaff family.
