MLK Day

please take a minute to remember and celebrate something and someone great today:

Left Side……Strong Side

Last night was really special. T he girls fell asleep early and Jude was wide awake, so he asked if we could have a "boy's night". That is code for, a movie, unhealthy snack and staying up late. Being that it was Friday, I figured why not J. So, we began looking for a movie. He was not in the mood for a cartoon, but wanted a "Big Kid Movie". So I had an idea! Seeing his love of football, and the fact that despite all my efforts, he is growing older by the day, I had the PERFECT flick: REMEMBER THE TITANS

 

So, we got a bowl of sherbet, a soft, warm blanket and settled in. It was a special night. I decided I was going to attempt to make it a teaching moment. Which of course means that I have the potential to really make a special moment or fail on an epic scale! J Luckily, it was not the latter option. Seeing as how we'd just celebrated MLK Day, we had a talk about racism and civil rights before starting. He knew much more than I thought. I was impressed with his teacher. So with the stage set, we popped in the DVD.

It was a GREAT evening. He was ABSORBED into the film, like I had never seen. He was sucked in! Periodically I would stop the movie to make sure he understood and discuss certain things. Rather than complaining about this, like he normally would, we engaged in some very detailed conversations. When I asked him to explain what Coach Boone's speech at Gettysburg meant to him, I was floored by his heartfelt and mature answer!

As the movie continued it was a joy to watch him moved so emotionally. He was deeply saddened when Gerry was hurt. When they won he'd jump up and clap as if he were at the game! Clearly, this was the right choice for the movie!

At the end he thanked me for watching it and we closed with another talk. He hugged me and said I was the best dad in the world. For my money……that is just about the best night I could dream of. It is harder than I imagined watching your kiddos grow up so fast. But last night also taught me too…….that it is also a wonderful blessing to watch them grow up, and make good decisions, and do good with their lives.

Thank you Lord, for my beautiful family.

History in the making...

There was quite a lot going on this calendar week. Monday we celebrated the work of a man who gave his life in pursuit of the promise that we were all equal. He worked and sacrificed for the belief that “God created all mankind in His image…”(Gen 1:27). And Tuesday we witnessed history as some of the fruits of that work saw America swear in our first black president. Regardless of your political leanings, it was most definitely a stirring moment and monumental in American history. It was incredible.

The event brought to mind the scripture that says “Praise be to God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them…”(Daniel 2:20-21a). Yes, we have free will on earth to do as we choose, but I like to believe that my God still holds the reigns of everything in the universe! It is my prayer that we remember God in this time of political buzz and changes. One of my least favorite things about election seasons is how quickly we seem to forget that God is still in control of this world! Man will be man, and evil will be done, but I know God hears the cries of His people!

I urge us today to pray for our nation. Pray that we will be people who return to striving for righteousness and goodness. Pray we will be a holy nation that calls on His name. Pray that we will seek peace. Pray we will make decisions in love. Pray we will hold high God’s standards. Pray we will love others. Pray we will be a light of honor and holiness.

I also urge us to pray for our new leader. Pray that he will look to God for wisdom. Pray that he will truly serve the “least of these”. Pray that he will lead with morals and honesty. Pray he will value life. Pray that He will truly be a man of God above all else.

Most of us reading this are Americans. But let us not forget that our first citizenship belongs to the kingdom of God! We serve the “King of Kings”. May our hope, faith and trust be not in man, but in Him alone.

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