“God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him, male and female he created them.  God blessed them, saying to them: ‘Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.’” (Genesis 1:27-28)

The family is the natural result of this creation and all that follows. God calls us to carry forward his design from generation to generation. This is a blessed calling, ordained by the one who created all that exists. It is filled with challenges and sacrifice, but can be balanced with deep love and unforgettable blessings.  Let me share one small example.

A few years ago, we were visiting two of our children’s families to attend the high school graduation of our oldest grandson.  Following a post-graduation party and dinner, we were sitting around visiting with the two families, including our grandson’s paternal grandparents, when the grandson’s siblings and cousins came up with the idea that the two grandfathers should take the six grandchildren to play laser tag.

So here we were, two white haired septuagenarians and six teenagers, ages 12 to 18, driving in an eight passenger van to a local laser tag arcade. For those who have never had the experience, laser tag is a game where you put on a vest with four electronic targets located on the chest, back and both shoulders, along with a hand-held infrared laser gun.  You are put in a low light room with two levels and various structures to run around and hide behind while aiming your laser gun at another person’s target areas.  A hit on another person gives you 100 points and a hit on you subtracts 50 points and disables your gun for three seconds.  The person with the most points wins.

Both the kids and the white haired old guys had a blast! The old guys were quite proud of themselves and will long cherish the memory.  Hopefully the young folks, separated by two generations, will as well.

We may not think that laser tag has much to do with God’s design for family, but in this case, there was love in the request from the youngest generation, and love in the acceptance by the generation once removed.  Upon arriving back at the house there was joy among all three generations by what had taken place.

God’s design for his creation was being lived out through three generations of family, ironically and humorously highlighted through a mundane game of laser tag.

Do you see God’s hand in the ordinary circumstances of your family?

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” (John 14:27)

Jesus’ promise of peace to the disciples is also available to us today.  It is a beautiful gift that we cannot get from the world. Let me share a story to illustrate. 

It started with a call from my urologist, “You have an aggressive and an advanced form of prostate cancer.”  A biopsy showed an increased PSA, the marker of prostate cancer’s presence, and a Gleason score of 9 out of 10, a measure of the aggressiveness of the cancer.  I was shocked and initially fearful.  I let family and friends know and asked for their prayers.  As I started to receive the assurance of their prayers and concern, I began to experience God’s love and peace.  Like the disciples, I needed to realize that Jesus was in my midst to receive his peace. 

He was with me in the numerous acts of love from my wife, our children, and brothers and sisters in Christ. He was with me as a good Christian brother inveigled his way into the pre-op room as my brother (in Christ, that is) and led the doctors and nurses circled around my bed in prayer before surgery.  He was with me through my wife who was a constant support and always present.  He was with me through adult children who left their own families to spend time with me. He was with me in the quiet moments as he whispered to my spirit.

After thirteen years of apparently being cancer free, my PSA began to rise again. It was right after a new scan had been developed to detect tumors as small as a few millimeters called a PSMA scan. While the insurance company first denied coverage, they later approved it and discovered a small tumor above my bladder.  The radiologist recommended proton radiation which the insurance again denied but later approved.  I had thirty-seven radiation treatments without a trace of side effects.  That took place three years ago and my PSA has continued to decline below the recurrence level. 

How do we seek peace from Jesus? By asking him to come into our midst, seeking his support, healing, and peace. He often brings healing in ways we may not be aware of.  He uses modern medicine.  Sometimes he heals directly.  He inspires support and love from family and friends.  The result, a peace the world cannot give. 

Have you sought the peace that Jesus offers?