So today I had an out of body experience. As a child my dad would take my brother and I to the store, and we knew it was about to rain snacks. I know he and my mom did not have a lot of money, but worked extremely hard to not let us know how poor we were. We didn't get a lot of extravagance, but my mom knew when we were snack hunting with dad the bill would be up higher than the normal grocery store run (or the gas bill if we were at a convenient store). My dad was, and is, notorious for something else...poor time management.
My dad was NOTORIOUSLY late for everything. I used to think it was out of carelessness or just rudeness. Unfortunately I have been cursed, or blessed, with the same tendency. I was always worried about doing the same, but today I really understood and appreciated more of why he is always late. He, and I, cannot say no. When people ask for help I put my needs, and my family's unfortuntatley, to make sure that the people around me are taken care of. Isn't that what church is about...community on steroids. I want to help as many people as I can while I can. But understanding balance is key too, and I have to learn to give my family times as well.
The most important part of today was Avery. I realize that the only reason I give my time, energy, and effort is because I saw my dad do it relentlessly. I remember visiting the sick, working with the elderly, singing at nursing homes, giving time to his family, the list would literally take hours. I realized that while my dad didn't always to a great job telling me how to live, he was spectacular at showing me. I realized today that for me to instill in Avery what I want him to do with his time, I must use some of mine to take him with me to see what Christians should be doing for each other.
--Be Excellent to Each Other
1 comment:
Wow what an awesome post. I really hope your dad reads this, I know it will make him smile. : )
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