My son Greg decided to take his wife, Mary, and the whole family to Maui for a vacation to celebrate Mary’s 50th birthday. They live in southern California and I live in the northern end, and I was delighted when they insist ‘Nana’ come along. Well, I was a little hesitant because I had pictures of snorkeling, beaches and bikinis–not exactly my lifestyle at my age. But it didn’t take too much pressure to convince me this was an opportunity of a life time. I had never been to Hawaii, but always had the desire! See there–it’s never too late!
Other friends decided to come along and there seventeen in the party. Greg rented one big house and friends a small one for four people. We co-ordinated activities and began to truly enjoy the tropical weather.
The first couple of days there was a little dark cloud in my mind. Here comes the truth in all of this. This trip was in November and in the weeks before leaving I had become acquainted with two African Pastors. John from Kenya and Camarade from Rwanda. Both have families, orphanages and a church. As I learned first hand of their needs I had endeavored to help, and still have that strong desire. I had helped African projects before but this was my first time to know someone personally.
As we began to enjoy the beach (I watched the snorkeling) and some leisure time I began to talk to the Lord. “I don’t feel right about spending the money on this trip (although it wasn’t my money or my decision), when I know how much need there is for Camarade, and John. Lord is this right?” And the little black cloud hovered!
The second day the Holy Spirit began to speak to my heart. The Holy Spirit can give you a word, a sentence or more and the revelation comes with it in a bigger picture. “If people did not spend money there would be no economy, there would be no jobs, and there would be no help for any ministry work.” I was immediately aware of how true that is. Our inclination at times is to judge others for what they spend and how much, and can be hard on ourselves. And, it seems especially the rich….big houses, yachts, expensive cars.
Whoa, think a minute with me. All those things have to be built. The components shipped, cars manufactured, trucks, railroads, and ships delivering, importing, exporting and all that goes with it. If the rich stop being rich, there will be no one to feed the poor.
So I realllly began to enjoy the trip. My son is far from rich except in faith and love for others. His company produces a browser to protect children from the Internet, because of his love for children. Tuki.com or CEN.com will take you for a visit. He works long hours and to see him relaxing and enjoying so much time with family was wonderful.
This trip was to celebrate my daughter-in-law’s 50th birthday! Well, check out the gallery of pictures I have posted, she is beautiful and doesn’t seem to age. She has been a great Mom and a tremendous partner to my son. They have been through great losses, spiritual battles, and changes in their lives in business and residence to provide for their family. It was a wise decision to enjoy family and vacation when the opportunity was available.
Greg was also a speaker at an investment conference in Honolulu. Greg, Mary, Candace and I flew to Honolulu on Saturday. The girls shopped, Greg and I went to the meeting. I met new friends and some delightful Christians with whom we spent the night at their home. Their home on the ocean was a picture post card and the dinner they provided was yummy!
During the trip I had opportunity to minister making my trip complete–how could I go any where and not share Jesus with someone? I’m ole’ hat to my family, I needed fresh ground in which to plant. And, last but not least, definitely not least I went hang gliding over Maui! The thrill of a lifetime, 3500 feet in air, on a seat back of an instructor with just two wings and a small engine. Afraid to snorkel in 10-15 feet of water, but absolutely goofey about flying miles in the air….go figure!
I hope Mary enjoyed her birthday party as much as I did, and the lesson I had forgotten about appreciating our commercial economy and what it has done for the world. God bless America! Let’s fight for rights we have enjoyed and continue to bless others with our abundance!
P S There are pictures from our trip, posted on the Gallery, click top of page.