Sitting Next to Dad

Growing up in a home without my father was sometimes confusing and lonely. Two stepfathers came and went but neither knew my heart or were able to help me feel like I really belonged anywhere.

Then when I was 15 years old I met my real father. He didn’t know me either but he committed to do whatever it took to build a relationship.

Those first years were pretty rough between us but Dad stayed with it through my years of drug abuse, misunderstandings and lots of bad decisions on my part. How blessed I was that my Dad stuck it out!

As I grew older I learned that I could talk with my Dad about anything. I could ask for his advice or help at any hour. As Dad’s neared the end of his life, our every meeting became more meaningful; each word more valuable and each kiss more precious. Sure Dad had his own weaknesses and failures but what he did most importantly was to show me that I could trust God always and for anything. Happy Father’s day Dad. Thanks for helping me to find the eternal unfailing father who we can both sit next to one day in heaven. See you there!

Flying in Formation

Having spent most of my life outdoors I can attest to the amazing complexity of birds gathering for migration. No single event or calendar day can contain the thousands of interactions that take place as flocks begin to grow. There is a lot of push and pull, as they swirl back and forth in every direction for weeks. But if things go according to design the day finally comes when they decide to form up and head for their Winter home.

Our family has experienced so many of the same issues that God has taught the birds how to overcome. There have been many conflicts and sorrows, changes and difficulties. But all through the years there has also been an overriding force that has kept us together. That force in our family has been the love of Jesus Christ. He continues calling us together in spite of all our differences. He seems to specialize in knitting our hearts together in times of adversity. He has worked tirelessly, day and night, year after year to teach us to fly in loving formation. All of this Jesus does, not simply to force us into His path; but rather to prepare us. He has looked at the forecast and He knows we need to prepare. He sees that just ahead lies a Wintertime and we must form up and be ready for our journey home!

Remembering Mom

Even when a nursing home is the best solution for Mom; Mother’s Day can be a time when they need an extra special dose of hope. This year one conservative estimate is that there are roughly 700,000 mothers who will have no one to stop in to see them. Why not consider using this as an opportunity to buy a few extra cookies; flowers or small  gifts that just say; we remember you? Tell them by your presence that they matter to both to you and to God. 

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27 NLT

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