As I sit here thinking about celebrating Christmas with my family over the next couple days, I realize this has been a year of transitions, and without our faith in God, I don’t know how we would have managed.

Compared to 2020, I think most people would say that this year was much better, however, there are always triumphs and tragedies, no matter what year it is. Even with the lessening degree of isolation due to the pandemic there were still many challenges and several changes in our family.

In June we visited family in Virginia and my wife’s brother Tim and his wife Audrey, in West Jefferson, North Carolina. We had no idea at that time that it would be the last time we would be visiting with Audrey. She died suddenly and unexpectedly in September, and it’s been a very difficult time for her husband, and all of us who loved Audrey dearly. She enjoyed hosting us whenever we visited their home, and she made a point of taking us into the village to shop and enjoy a great meal at one of the local eateries.

This summer, I went on a mission trip to Romania, with One to the Other Ministries and Jose’s Hands. We took a team of doctors and medical students, and conducted medical clinics in several Roma (gypsy) communities. I had the opportunity to perform a concert in a church in Stâna de Mureș. After arriving back in Florida, I performed concerts at a couple churches, and was invited to record music and an interview at the Christian Television Network studios, in Largo, FL, that aired later on the network.

A couple stressful things occurred back home while I was in Romania. One of our cats, who had cancer and had already had a leg amputated, had to be put to sleep, and my father had a heart attack and triple bypass surgery. I was met with the decision of trying to fly back from Romania early or return home as soon as I got back to Florida. Because of COVID testing requirements at the time, there was no easy way to get a test immediately and rebook a flight home, especially since our flight was out of Budapest, Hungary, a four-hour drive away.

When I returned to Florida, I was told to not bother cancelling my concerts to head home, because my father would be in the hospital the whole time I would be gone and the only two people allowed to visit were my step-mother and wife. So, I kept my commitments in Florida.

My father is recovering well, however, it’s a miracle that he’s still alive to celebrate Christmas with us. The heart attack came only eight months after COVID landed him in the hospital last year at Christmas. God isn’t finished with him yet.

A major transition has occurred as a result of my father’s situation, as he and my step-mother recently moved into a senior living apartment, and my daughter has moved out of our house and into their house.

­If you knew my daughter, you would understand that this is a huge step for her.

Earlier this year, my son and daughter-in-law transitioned from their home in Bixby to a home in Tulsa; a lot closer to work for both of them. Their hearts are so full of love, they have entered the foster family system and cared for two little boys, for several months. They recently cared for a one-year-old foster child, and in May, our second grandchild will arrive.

I realize this column is a bit more personal than usual, but I just felt like I had to share how we have walked through many transitions this year, and in a small way, maybe it will inspire you.

We thank God for the blessings He has given us, and for carrying us through some difficult times. Life is not perfect, but it sure is easier to handle when we have Christ in our heart and know the true meaning of Christmas.

May you and your family be blessed this holiday season, and may you have joy, peace and love in your lives.