I sat in our living room yesterday, writing and listening to a gentle rain on our windows as it starts, then stops, then starts again. The sky has been gray for the last two days. And it matches my mood.

A few days ago I got the sad, but not unexpected news of the death of my mother, Joy. Sad, obviously. Not unexpected, as she’s had health problems during the last several years. The day after Thanksgiving, she got the flu and never recovered. A few days ago she told my dad that she was ready to go, and that wasn’t a surprise. She lived a full life and her love for Christ and hope of heaven stayed strong to the end.

She was raised in the faith. Her grandfather was a circuit-riding Methodist preacher. He immigrated to the U.S. from Germany and settled on a farm in south-central Nebraska. I visited that farm often as a child, and still have Homestead Certificate no. 4932, signed by President Chester A. Arthur, as a memento.

Her dad took over the farm, leaving school after sixth grade when his father died early. Still, church was the center of life. He eagerly taught a Sunday school class for high school students, even with his limited education.

Then, at a Methodist Youth Fellowship, event my mom met Ross Winz. They carried the faith tradition into marriage and parenting, and I’m a beneficiary of that.

When I first joined Cru, I though back to the stories of three generations of people who chose to follow Christ. I hope and trust I have carried on that legacy.

As darkness swallows the gray sky, and the rain seems to have ended, I’m making preparations to go back “home” to Holdrege for mom’s memorial service. Dad chose to wait several days for the service, so we’ll gather on January 26. Anne Marie and I plan to be there, and Bethany hopes to join us. Michael’s schedule doesn’t permit him to come along.

At times like this, we’re especially grateful for the role you play in our lives. We treasure your prayers for us as we walk though these days, and for my dad, Ross, and my brother, Rex. Thanks so much.

(The photo below, from a few years back shows my parents with Michel and Bethany.)