Live, Laugh, Love

On the way to Berea, Kentucky, I stayed over in Knoxville, Tennessee, to spend time with my favorite uncle and aunt, Luke and Vivian Henley. I always take pleasure in my visits with Uncle Luke and Aunt Vivian.

They live in a house they built 20 years ago on my grandparent’s old farm. Every visit I catch up on so many memories. Most of my stays include visiting on their front porch, which wraps around two sides of the house and overlooks the farm.

Uncle Luke and I seldom talk about anything new. We customarily rehash old stories, revisit fond recollections, and retell the same jokes. No one else enjoys our conversation, but we certainly like each other’s company.

In addition to our well-worn tales, we also converse about God and His kingdom. Uncle Luke and I are made from the same form—we get teary-eyed every time we approach God’s grace in conversation. This visit we choked up over the “Amazing Grace” video I placed on my blog on May 25—The Story of Amazing Grace.

Another reason I enjoy being around Uncle Luke and Aunt Vivian is due to their contagious love for life. They love the Lord. They are firmly committed to Christ, through the First Baptist Church of Powell, Tennessee. They love family. Their neighbors are their kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. They also love to laugh. It does not take much to get them laughing and joking with their guests.

Perhaps a more precise summary for their love of life is noted in a framed quote hanging in their house. The quote is from Allison Chambers Coxey. It reads,

Live like every moment is a treasured gift from God
Laugh till the sound of it fills the heavens with joy
Love without reason or rhyme—but because you are loved.

That’s good stuff. It’s simple. It’s profound. It’s exact.

I am thankful for my visits with Uncle Luke and Aunt Vivian. Moreover, I am thankful they are my aunt and uncle.