Once upon a time there was a girl who heard an announcement at church about an up coming Christmas play.

She innocently mentioned it to her boyfriend and he (being the encourager that he is) went so far as to initiate a chance to talk to one of the directors about it.

And before either of them could say “Mary did you know” they were offered the parts of Mary and Joseph.

After a lot of back and forth here are Mary and Joseph on the final night:

I thoroughly enjoyed looking at Mary’s life through Scripture. What a heartbreaking yet hope filled journey she had.

Probably the most endearing part of the play was the manger scene where the sheep kept everyone on edge as to what capers they’d pull next.

And thru that entire scene, we sang:

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle ’til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

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I’ve sang that song 100s of times without stopping to think about the words “ bless all the dear child in thy tender care, and take us to heaven to live with Thee there.”

That prayer got answered last night for my Uncle Duane.

We are still piecing together the details, but he and Aunt Thelma were in an accident that took his life, and sent her to the hospital.

Kind Uncle Duane 💔 The Uncle known for his hugs and gracious ability to pay attention to each of his nieces individually.

The last time I was in their home, I was killing several hours of wait time as a van driver. Uncle was in and out working on a project at one of their rental properties. And rolling his eyes at how long Aunt Thelma and I could chew the fat on certain topics. (Isn’t Aunt Thelma and granddaughter the cutest?❤️)

But I specifically enjoyed watching their relationship that day. “Almost 50 years” they told me.

Thank you, Uncle Duane- for showing us by example- the beauty of a life spent loving God, loving family, and loving our fellow man.

You will be so missed by so many. How will the meat canner even function without you?

But well done on a life lived to the fullest.

Luv you,

Kendra