January 4, 2026: The Long Prayer

This day’s for you, Will.

Today we celebrated his birthday with a surprise lunch at a waterside restaurant in Hampton. Our big table included me, Jess, McKenzie, Will’s parents, his brother and sister-in-law, and sweet niece.

Long ago, when McKenzie was small in my arms, I started praying for her future husband. This mystery person existed only as a hope, a face I couldn’t yet imagine.

I asked the good Lord for a man of integrity. Someone who would love generously, with a humble heart for God and others.

Watching how the dots connected still leaves me amazed.

God answered that prayer.

And then some.