Traveling Light

Growing up, my family always had a weekly tradition of “family night” on Friday nights.  Each of us (both kids & parents) would take a turn planning what we wanted to do when our special Friday came around once every six weeks.  The possibilities were endless.  We would do anything from walking to a nearby ice cream shop to watching movies or playing croquet.  It was definitely a highlight of my childhood, and I’m thankful that my parents made it a priority. 

It’s a tradition that has now become a part of the Brown family.  Justin and I have set aside Thursday nights to have family night/date night.  We use the terms somewhat interchangeably.  The meaning is the same.  It’s a night where work, seminary, house cleaning, etc. are set aside and we cherish each moment of the evening– just the two of us. 

Together we recently started reading  a portion of The Diary and Journal of David Brainerd (edited by Jonathan Edwards) each week during family night.  It’s so good; makes us even more excited about missions with each page we read.  We were both nearly in tears last week as he recounted with such obvious earnestness his pursuit of saving faith by works.  For years he made this his utmost pursuit, knowing all the while that it was hopeless.  What joy to hear how Mr. Brainerd finally came to realize that salvation is a free gift and not something he could ever effect in his own life.  I’m so looking forward to reading more.