Opa's Love

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 8:38-39 NLT

Our hearts are overflowing! On June 10, 2025, we welcomed our beautiful first granddaughter, Ripley, into the world. We love our three grandsons dearly, and now we're so incredibly blessed to have a granddaughter too. Ripley is already a little charmer, with her mother's nose and her father's hair, and those sweet smiles are just melting us. I can't wait for all the firsts – holding her, watching her grow, and being there for her every step of the way. She is such a beautiful and precious gift.

Holding my daughter, Porsche, for the first time was an unforgettable moment. It was different from the experiences with my two older children: I adopted my eldest daughter when she was two, so I wasn't there for her birth. And with my son, I was stationed in Germany when my wife gave birth in Texas, as she was too far along in her pregnancy to join me. But being present for Porsche's entire pregnancy was a deeply special bonding experience I'll always cherish.

My heart swells with pride for Porsche. She has blossomed into a strong, competent woman and a fabulous mother, showering her son and now her daughter with love. What's more, she's found a man who loves her unconditionally, a wonderful father to his children and a loving husband to her.

The love I feel as a father and an Opa is boundless. Their pain is my pain, their laughter my laughter, their tears my tears. I try to mirror God's unconditional love for me in my relationships with them. I'm far from perfect and make my share of mistakes, but my love for them never diminishes.

Parenting has presented its challenges, and through them, I've gained an even deeper awe for God's complete and unconditional love for us. Reading the Bible, I understand God's heart when His children turn away, a pain I've experienced with a child who has turned their back on me and their mother. There are moments when loving feels impossible, but God's Word consistently demonstrates that His love never fails. Even when we stray, He remains constant.

I often wonder, how can God love us with such profound intensity? It's a concept I know my human understanding will never fully grasp. Still, I choose to trust that He sees me just as I see my children and grandchildren. Because even when they turn away from me, my love for them endures. God has already shown us the way; our part is simply to be willing to follow His example.

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