Countdown

Sunday July 15, 2007.

Its about two in the afternoon on a sunny warm July day. The kids are winding down from church. Cathi is taking a little nap. It could be any Sunday afternoon if it weren't for the fact that next Sunday afternoon everything will be different. In the next 72 hours the four of us, G-d-willing, will become five. If he doesn't decide to arrive before Tuesday, Cathi is scheduled to be induced at 6:30 in the morning. It is only a matter of time before we will all meet Ethan J Heare.

Ethan's name comes from a few different places. Ethan was a prayerful favorite of Cathi, Ryan, Emily, and I. Biblically you can find him in a few places. Most prominently as the writer of Psalm 89. The Psalm is worth a read and I have been sneaking it into as much worship as possible- including this morning! His name means "solid, enduring."

The J is not just a J. As many of you know we considered Towry as a middle name. His brother Ryan's middle name is Towry and it has been a wonderful way to honor our great families that have given us so much since it was Cathi's maiden name. Emily's middle name is "Jo", just like Mom "Cathi Jo" and Grandma "Jo Ellen". So what's the J?

The J connects Ethan to two of the most important men in Cathi and my life...our Fathers. Jerry Wayne Heare and John Errett Towry. Jerry and John are both incredible men of character, family, and faith. Each has served our country, their respective churches, careers, and families with character, strength, and love. Our hope is that when Ethan is asked what the J stands for he will have an opportunity to share the legacy of courage and faith that his grandfathers have lived.

Heare has been traced all the way back to Cornwall, England before the Doomsday Book. The only names tracked before this historical census were either Royalty (knew it.), criminals (knew it.), or clergy (yikes!). He will also be an 8th generation Texan.

Biblically, people live into their name. Our prayer is that Ethan J Heare will discover his destiny and that it will carry with it the amazing faith of the psalmist and the rich legacy of his family.

Tick, Tick , Tick...