Religion column: God's photo album includes you

Do you like to look at old family pictures? It seems I have had to do a lot of that lately. Sorting through family photos is hard for me. I go through the gamut of emotions with joy, laughter and tears. I also have a profound realization of the brevity of time.

It seems only a few years ago I was planning my grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary party. Surely it was only yesterday that I was giving my parents a 50-anniversary celebration.

Looking through family photos reminds me of my spiritual heritage I will never take for granted. My grandfather prayed his heart out in that little country church. He was a spiritual giant for as long as I can remember. He loved the Lord with all of his being.

My father had a tremendous influence on many lives in his earthly journey.

I have been blessed with a heritage that sustains me in those early morning hours that remind me time goes quickly.

As I sort through the family pictures I have come to know that a life filled with love for God, family and friends is a life that is blessed indeed. When one comes to the end of live, this is all that really matters. I look at each photo and remember some hard times and difficult places. I also remember the faithfulness of God. He brought each one through the trial to the triumph.

God's photograph album contains those whose hearts have been broken and whose dreams have been shattered. But deep scars are evidences of great love. Who knows that better than Jesus?

God's photograph album contains those whose hearts have been broken and whose dreams have been shattered. Yet deep scars are evidences of great love. Who knows that better than Jesus?

God's photograph album contains portraits of those who have persevered despite the obstacles. They have stayed in the race and have been found faithful.

I'm proud of my family pictures. They encourage me to " press on to the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).

On that great day, we will be united. We will have a new "family portrait."

It will be beautiful because the light of God's glory will never end!