06/16/2024
If I could place parenting on a list of “Favorite Things To Do”, sadly it would rank LAST… Not because I don’t love kids. I DO, especially when they are leaving with YOU!
I was born in the middle of my parents separating. My own Dad denied I was his for a long time and I definitely knew it. A common phrase I would over-hear, as my parents were arguing was “Pete, he’s your Son!”
But God would bless me with many valuable life-skills as a result of that early harsh relation and Dad & I would finish up as good friends. The other thing God would do along the way was to put a beautiful Step-Father in my life, to show me how it was meant to be. I miss him more with each passing day…
So, I have these 2 dogs fighting in me every day! The hard guy, who caused me to develop a thick skin, necessary to survive & thrive in a harsh world, where nobody cares and that kind, gentle man, who showed me compassion for all…
God is the ultimate Prankster, because he took this conflicted Soul and paired me with Ruth, a woman raising 13 children. We now have 30+ grandkids and NOBODY scatters, like my siblings and I were all raised to do. These folks cling for the long-haul and it has been the confusing journey of a lifetime! I lead with my Father’s flesh, but he is always eventually over-powered by a sense of duty and compassion…
Have I lived the hedonistic life I first envisioned for my marriage? NO! But have I been blessed in deeper ways, beyond my potential or worth? Absolutely and constantly!
Yesterday, I received a nice card, as I am blessed to receive a few times a year and it said “Thank you Cris. I am grateful that my children get to experience life with a grandfather…” How did I ever deserve that sentiment or the many others that I often receive?
Christians have a phrase “The Lord loves a Joyful Giver.” I like it, but it does not always fit me. I’ll take Faithfulness over Joy anytime…
THANK YOU Father, for the Fathers and dutiful men you placed in my like, to nurture and guide me. Thank you for the Wife & Family you gave, which I would have never allowed for myself and thank you for giving my life purpose far beyond any that I had EVER planned…
Thank you to all the good Fathers and those who stand in the far too many gaps. God bless us All!