Just Smile
and
Have a Good Day

Rhythms of Life

This week has been a week of both grief and joy. I am finding that those two emotions can coexist in my life and each day. If I keep my heart focused on my Lord and Savior, both joy and grief can balance in my life and I can still move forward each day. Some days grief will weigh just a little bit heavier; for us, that was Tuesday (9/1/2026) as an anniversary no one ever wants to have come around: the death of our son. At the very same time, God is so good to have blessed us with the life of a sweet little granddaughter. Even in the midst of going through a day most of us would soon forget, God is faithful to show His love to us.

That day I was walking home from class, when a man behind me said, “So, how long have you been bald?” Of course, it stops you in your tracks as it is not something you normally hear as a conversation starter. I turned around to see a man, also bald, smiling behind me. We started to talk and our conversation turned to family and our kids. His oldest child was turning 12 and fast approaching the teenage years. 🙂 As a father just a bit further removed from the joy of raising teenagers in a world full of things we don’t understand, I was able to share and encourage him on his journey. This led to me being able to share Tyler’s story and the impact one person can truly have in this world. It was such a blessed time for me being able to share and talk about Tyler; it brought joy through the grief of the day. I was reminded of God’s goodness in every moment, even and maybe especially in the toughest moments of life. Kelly and I then took a drive to Tyler’s favorite place to eat, Culver’s! Turns out the great Midwest restaurant has ventured to Texas! It is always such a great memory that reminds us to “Just Smile and Have a Good Day.”

The rest of the week brought steady rhythms to life as I learned my schedule and the amount of time to devote to each of my classes in order to get things done, but also to learn and grow. I’m learning that learning and growing is so much more than just completing assignments. I hear all of my professors say “it’s more than the grade, it’s more than just checking a box.” This is hard for me because I’m a box checker. A person that moves from one task to the other is always in a hurry to complete the next task in my schedule. So learning to slow down and give time to truly grow and learn is something I’m working on.

Kelly had a week at school developing rhythms as well. Learning the timing of traffic and depending on when she leaves school can change travel time from 20 minutes to 40 just like that. She is learning and connecting with parents and learning with all the kids and teachers she works with. She is starting to feel better, which is such a blessing allowing her to have the energy to truly enjoy each day at work.

We together are learning rhythms as well and finding time each day to make sure we get to share in each other’s joys and griefs. As the days fill with activities and tasks to be completed, it is so important to find that time as a family to connect. We have been spending a lot of time on FaceTime to see and hear our new granddaughter (and of course our son and wonderful daughter-in-law 😀).

We are so blessed to be able to be home this weekend back in Rib Lake and enjoying being parents and now grandparents. Life has a way of bringing joy in the midst of grief, and that is the rhythm of life. The one true way to make sure our rhythms stay balanced is to make sure our lives are attached to the perfect conductor, the creator of the universe, the one true God who not only created us, but loves us beyond what we can even comprehend.

I hope that today you find your rhythm to be balanced in One who is able to do for you far greater than you can even imagine. Philippians 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

We are so grateful for all your love, prayers, and support as we walk and attempt to stay in rhythm along this journey in life each day.

Smile and Enjoy the Journey each Day!

-Gabe and Kelly