Montana Juntunens

We took a few days of vacation last week to visit our son Mark and his family in Montana.  The days were filled with laughter, hugs, conversation and fun. 

On Saturday, we drove an hour or so up into the mountains and went fishing and hiking. The highlight was Mike helping the kids reel in the two fish caught that day.  We had great weather, but the smoke from fires further west kept us from seeing the mountains well.
We also enjoyed taking each of Mark's four older children for some individual time with Grandma and Papa swimming, eating ice cream and just being together.
Many times we hear what a sacrifice it is to go to the mission field and leave our children and grandchildren at home.  It is true that we miss them, but it is also true that God has allowed us to visit each of them at least once a year and we talk on the internet almost every week.
However, Jesus himself said, "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." (Matthew 10:37)  We love our children and grandchildren more than we can express, but nothing can compare to loving Jesus.  Such a love involves obedience to his call to service, no matter where that leads.  As we obey Christ out of our love for him, he gives us the grace to be able to do what he asks us to.  For us, that grace includes frequent visits and internet calls with our sons and their families.  We do not feel deprived. We can say from experience, loving Jesus is worth it all.