Faith Through the Journey

A number of years ago, Christian musical artist Steve Green recorded a song entitled “Children are a Treasure from the Lord”.  At that time, our children were all very young and there were days when I found thinking of them as “treasures” was a stretch! Of course we loved them dearly and wouldn’t have traded any of them for the world, but after listening to them bicker and gripe for the first few days of summer vacation, I found myself wondering if I would still be sane when it was time for them to go back to school in the fall! We all survived, sane and still speaking to each other.

We were so blessed and proud of our children last weekend as Curt campaigned for the Republican National Committee. They, along with their spouses (& significant other), came to Ft. Worth to support their dad. Our son, daughter-in-law and youngest daughter were also delegates to the convention, which allowed them to vote for Curt when the time came for that election. All 6 worked at the booth we had set up to help educate the delegates about Curt and who he is and why he was running for the position. They also did an outstanding job of meeting and talking with delegates at the reception we hosted Friday evening. They were a very valuable asset to our campaign and we were so thankful for each of them. Each of them conducted themselves as respectful and responsible adults, and we were incredibly proud of each one of them.

Curt and I agreed  from the beginning of this journey that the outcome of the election itself was not as important as the example we would set for our children. As events unfolded on Saturday afternoon and the options open to us were reviewed, both Curt and I (directed separately by the Lord) came to the decision that it was time to end the contest and graciously bow out of the picture. To do otherwise would end up causing bad feelings among the delegates and RNC candidates, something we truly did not want to have happen. We were surrounded by those who we love most in the world, and knowing we had their support and love meant the world to us. Long after this convention experience, we want them to be proud of us and the example we showed them throughout the election process.  

Later on Saturday night, we were able to relax for the first time in weeks and just enjoy our family. We laughed together as we had dinner,  talking through the various parts of of the convention and all the stories each of them had to tell about people and situations they had encountered. They all worked so hard, taking the initiative to work the booth and the crowds and not needing our direction as to what needed to be done. We are incredibly blessed to have each of them and love them dearly.

One of the most touching parts of the campaign was when our son gave the introductory speech for Curt  on Friday afternoon. He had given a speech for him eight years ago when he ran for the state Executive Committee, so Curt decided that’s who he wanted to speak for him this time as well. He’s been to law school since then and is very comfortable giving speeches. We heard so many compliments on Andy’s speech, some even wanting to know when he might run for office!

I believe that each of them learned so much about politics and know now what we’re saying when we talk about different activities and aspects of the process. Our youngest daughter even volunteered to be Curt’s campaign manager if he ever decides to run for anything again! This from the child whom we have to prompt to vote, to attend meetings, how her vote makes a difference, etc. Of course, that may stem from the fact that she likes to tell people what to do! At any rate, it was an interesting and educational experience for them.

We’re not sure when we’ll all be together again, but we certainly enjoyed this time and having them together. They truly are “treasures from the Lord” and we thank Him for each and every one of them!