Moving Times
It’s a season of change for us on the family front. Last weekend our youngest son proposed to his girlfriend Grace, and we are delighted that she said yes! The following day the two families celebrated together, and earlier this week Deb and I met with Grace’s parents to discuss wedding plans. Sam is the last of our three sons to marry, and it has just dawned on me that within a year we will be true ‘empty nesters’. After 31 years of having at least one of the boys living with us, it’s going to feel very different.
However, for the moment our household remains pretty full: our eldest son Ben, his wife Alice and our two year old grandson Isaac are living with us temporarily, before they move from London to Bristol at the end of the month. Although we are sad to see them go, we are also excited for them as they start new jobs, move into a new house and find a new church to call home. It’s a significant change for us as a family – apart from their years at university, our three boys have lived in Lewisham and been part of King’s for as long as they can remember. Last Sunday afternoon we got together to mark the moment and wish them well. Like a true Tibbert, Ben took the opportunity to say a few words, expressing his love for us all and giving thanks for the positive legacy of growing up in a close family. It was deeply moving and there was not a dry eye in the house (yes, even I shed a few tears!).
My generation is sometimes referred to as ‘the sandwich generation’, juggling the responsibilities of children still at home and elderly parents. As well as helping our kids with wedding preparations and house moves, we have also recently increased our trips to Bedford to visit our parents. All four are now in their mid-eighties, and we are keen to support and honour them as they face some of the challenges that can come with old age.
Family is important; it is at the heart of God’s plan for his people. We value your prayers as we continue to serve the King’s family and prepare to gather the wider Newfrontiers family in October (the first time in three years). Like many of you, we are looking forward to a holiday before returning at the end of August, ready for the new term and the challenges that lie ahead. It will be a welcome time to pause, reflect, pray, read – and get ready to go again.
