The children have been reminding me today that in three years I will be 40 years old. I know some friends that might freak out when they think of themselves reaching that milestone…but I don’t feel that way at all. What I am a little weirded out by however, is the fact that I am entering the time period of my life that corresponds with some of the strongest memories of my father during my own childhood.
In fact, in my mind’s eye I still see my Dad as the younger man I remember throwing a ball with, or playing chess with, or swimming with. Those images of my father are some of the strongest memories I carry–when my dad was my age…
I am challenged on this day to recommit to taking time to make those memories with my own children. Snow forts, picnics, lunar eclipses, trips to the aquarium, family worship, pizza lunches after lessons, bedtime stories (just to name a few)–for these are the days that they will remember…someday when my sons and daughter are 37…
From Psalm 92
12 The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree,
He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 Those who are planted in the house of the LORD
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They shall still bear fruit in old age;
They shall be fresh and flourishing,
15 To declare that the LORD is upright;
He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
Great thoughts Paul. You created a flood of memories of my own dad and you are right…he was the same age…
Scouts, swimming, canoeing, and endless hard work in the back yard…I’m rechallenged to tuck a few girls into bed tonight with a great story of princesses and kings…
Fletch
I’m remembering 37 years ago…the icy and snowy drive that grandpa made to get me to the hospital. Your dad was in USAF tech school so he wasn’t present. Grandma got to play the roll of daddy with me in the labor room. You were a month early by all calculations. You arrived just in time Sunday morning for Grandpa to announce in Sunday School class that he was a Grandpa! We were staying with my parents so I could be closer to the hospital.
I am so blessed to be able to call you son!
I love you,
Mom
Our culture has forgotten the importance of fathers, but it is so encouraging to see that some men still remember. I do not have these memories that you treasure. My childhood was lonely and lacking a father. And my memories are tainted with abuse and neglect. But by God’s grace that cycle will end with me. My sons will know that their father’s heart was turned toward his God and his children. Paul and Fletch, may God bless you and your fathers. And through you may He richly bless your children.