(from a trip to San Antonio, Texas a few years ago)

Father, as I sit here contemplating my day and what You would say to me, may I be grateful for one more day in Your presence, one more day under Your watchful, loving, guiding hand. Please hold me close, for there is life!

Colossians 3:20-21 (<<click here to read the passage)

Lord, looking back over the last 30+ years of my life makes me wonder how kids turn out as good as they do and helps me to better understand why some struggle so. You gave us a wonderful gift almost 32 years ago when Massey was born. We have shared many wonderful things together, and we are truly blessed to have walked this journey together. He is by no means perfect, but I would say that he has fulfilled Your command to be obedient – honoring his mother and me.

I readily admit that I am by no means perfect. Parenting is a very complicated task. I have not always acted wisely, but You have patiently worked with me, too. As a young father, I recall leaning toward that “aggravating” side of this much too frequently. The pride of my youth played way too big a role in the kind of father I was, and for good or bad, part of who Massey is, is forever cast.

But Lord, again, I am so grateful that you got it through my thick skull to get off that destructive path. When he was in his early teens, my whole mindset changed. I came to realize that some of the things I had in my mind as important, simply put, were not important. Lord, You enabled me to become a better father. Again, I was far from perfect, but You helped me to pause and think through so many things before I acted. Your love helped guide my love.

My role as Massey’s father continues to change as he transitions into new areas of life. We are both learning and growing, and I am so grateful that You have given me the privilege, Lord, of helping me raise this young man and helping him become the fine individual he is today.

I would again ask that You would continue to guide and direct us both as we stride into the future. Help us to love each other and those around us with the same fierce love with which You have loved us.

(June 29th, 2015, Mon, 5:37 am)
June 10th, 2024, Mon, 8:42 pm