One More For JC

Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4) For the first time in 30 years, the family pool remained closed throughout the summer of 2006. It seemed only appropriate that one of the family symbols of joy and celebration would remain silent…especially at a time of such sorrow with the passing of both my Dad and Grandmother. To be honest, deep-down I never wanted that pool to be opened again. In my mind, it just would never be the same without my Dad, who had labored so hard to keep it going for three decades. Despite my internal objections, my sister pressed to have the pool opened last summer and then again this year.  I found the desire to go in it just briefly last summer, but a couple weeks ago, a “quick dip” on a Saturday evening became something much more than that.  As the sun was setting on a perfect night, one bright star began to shine brightly in the cloudless sky.  As I stared at it intently, I could hear the Lord say to me “It’s time