Riggins Family Christmas 2017

We kind of viewed 2017 as a year of waiting. 2018 will bring son Dan's graduation from medical school. Daughter Laura and her Sam await their first-born, due in April. We have hoped and prayed for both these life-changing events. Because of them our lives will change, too. Where will Dan do his residency? (He finds out in March.) Boy or girl? How many miles will we put on our vehicles, which in human years are at least as old as we are?

 Sadly, we had to say goodbye to Oreo II, a.k.a. Goofball

(Click on the pictures to see larger versions)

But then church happened. Or didn't happen. Its long, slow, inexorable decline came to a head in the spring of the year. The details do not belong in a Christmas letter. We need mention only the fact of it, and the impact it had on us. Suffice it to say that we have never lost more sleep nor prayed more.

Now at Christmastide we can honestly, happily report that the church shows real signs of recovery. We have a core of incredibly faithful and generous people, people we love and want still to serve God alongside. Our hope remains in Jesus Christ and whatever future he has in store for us.

Our new Elementary Youth Group and its fearless leader

2017 has forced important realizations on us. We have led remarkably blessed, trouble-free lives. We have faced few setbacks. We have always had more than enough. We have never had to deal with the kind of challenge the church gave us.

In February we visited Death Valley, LA and Malibu (shown here) with Dan

We have learned to love the life we have more than ever before. By the grace of God we live on a beautiful small lake in the woods. It is beautiful here. We do love the church and the web of relationships it gives us. Our children are wonderful and loving.  Linda's parents and my mom remain with us.  Even our dogs are great! 

The view as I type.

We have learned we can handle even the big problems. We have had many hard but good conversations. What if Mike has to get a new job? What if we have to move? Will Archie Miller take the Hoosiers back to championship caliber? Through it all we have grown closer. We believe, now more than ever before, we can handle anything together.

 Sam and Laura during their mission trip to...Michigan

We have learned what truly matters. We have always known, but now we KNOW: family, peace through faith, friendships, doing meaningful work as well as we can.

We do not really need much of anything else.

Except dogs. And a sixth banner at Assembly Hall would be nice. Until that day comes, we will more than content ourselves with a grandchild, a son, a daughter and a son-in-law doing meaningful work as well as they can, and each other.

Pit bulls rule.  Well, they drool a fair amount too.

May God grant you all the things that truly matter. Have a blessed and peace-filled Christmas, and a joy-filled New Year!