January 2005

“Her Mother and I”

That was my line. I had worked on it, memorized it, and practiced saying it, so it would be loud and clear. I had accepted the part willingly. It was really the only speaking part in the script for me. The part I auditioned for, the Father who could never let go, was somehow written out of the final draft. I was now the father of the bride; the father with pride.

I won't boast that I fit into the new role naturally, because in truth, there were many moments of wonder. How could a man so young be the father of the bride? Am I mature enough, wise enough, well-heeled enough to be an official father of the bride? Shouldn't I wait a few more years? It was my decision, wasn't it?

With the moments of the wedding and the wonders in the past, I can now report that I remembered all my lines, read my scripture and prayed my prayer. This wonderful time of celebration filled every cup of expectation that I had brought. And it reminded me of the gift that God had given Sue and I in our daughters. The gift that sometimes I take for granted.

Marriage and leaving seemed so far away when we brought Jennifer back to our rental home on 79th and Artesian Street in Chicago. It had been a quick trip to Christ Hospital. Sue was released in about 6 1/2 hours after delivery. Jennifer joined us a little while later. Together with her sister Shannon we embarked on this family adventure. Thankfully eight years later Michelle joined the party. The memories are wonderful and humbling. There would be plenty of time to share life's adventures.

Well, that kind of time is no longer measured in years, it is now measured in the words, "Welcome home" and "I love you, It was great that you could stop by". As Jennifer and Adam walked through their wedding weekend, I, the father of the bride, took some quiet moments to reflect again on important truths, the same truth that hit me when Shannon was married. I pray that it may encourage you in your family and life. As we start a new year it is important to take stock in your family and relationships:

• Tell and show your children your love, by spending time with them. Let them know that they are important to you. Also be ready to say "I'm sorry" when necessary.
  
  
• Build each day into your children (yours and others), a little of God's truth and love. I am sure there were times when I let those opportunities slip by.
  
  
• Encourage your children, it goes a lot further than criticizing. Don't feel that if you are too tender with your children they'll be unable to face the tough world. Love them with a Christ-like love.
  
  
• Always hold childen accountable for their actions, in a Godly way.
  
  
• God is working and building in the lives of our children through many friends and adults even when we are unaware of it I thank God for all teachers, youth leaders, co-workers, caring adults and friends who are a part of shaping our children's lives. It takes a whole community and family to raise children.
  
  
• Prayer is the most important activity of a parent at every part of their child's life.
  

Please feel free to sit and reflect on these ideas to see how God wants to encourage you.

The reminders and blessings of God come in many forms. This month our blessing came in the form of and expanded family, a new son. We are now up to five kids. Welcome to the family, Adam.

May God richly bless you this January as we begin a new year together.


Pastor Craig