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Dear Shiloh Family,

It was a typical late July day around the pool.  Temps peaked in the lower 90’s while the sun played hide-and-seek with cumulus cotton balls. A slight breeze and an occasional dip in the cool water made the summer heat somewhat bearable.  Sounds like a peaceful Saturday on the back deck, right?  Now, factor in three grown children, their spouses, 5 little screaming aliens, and two yapping dogs…even better.

Pizza, pop, popsicles, and party chips were the healthy staple while the playground, pull wagons, peddle cars, and toddler pursuit provided the physical activity. To some it would’ve riveled a Chinese fire drill, but to us, it was a normal day at the O’Neal’s.

All was progressing rather smoothly until the head count came up one shy of a full load.  During re-con, I spied Luke slowly stalking his prey with the intensity of a mountain lion and the determination of a bull.  Time slowed to a crawl as I called his name, leapt (I use that word tongue in cheek) from the porch and raced to the scene of the crime.  I arrived just as the little guy pounced, and his bare foot pounded a red wasp into the concrete sidewalk.

I swooped him into my arms and finished the quarry, but the damage had already been done.  The young hero would bare battle scars, and Poppy would brag on his bravery and love on him while Mom applied the sting-kill.

In reflection of the whole episode, I can’t help but think of the many times I have strayed from my Heavenly Father’s care.  Even now, I can almost hear him call my name in warning, and feel his loving arms as he comforts me from my well-intended blunder.  I’m reminded how good intentions outside of His divine instruction have often caused pain for me, and others as well.  However, he always applies just the right ointment in just the right place.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5: 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. NKJV

I also realized that my Grandson was just repeating what he had seen Granddad do all day.  You see, I had made a game of swatting red wasps to the deck with a flyswatter and stepping on them.  I had no idea Luke was even watching.  What a sobering thought.  
        
A child will usually love in the way he or she has been loved.  God’s love never changes.       
                  
God bless you all, 
Pastor Derrell