Train up a child
in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
This week I am
excited to some time with my family in Oklahoma. It has already been a blessing. As I said yesterday, I am so blessed.
One of the stories
that comes to mind about my childhood is one I am not always proud of. There was a time when I enjoyed stretching
truth. Yes, as a child I had a problem
with lying. One day in the preschool at
our church I tried convinced some people that my dad quit his job and started
driving a big truck.
What I do remember
well is how that situation and others led to even more lies. When you have to make up a story, you have to
make up other stories to cover the first.
It is something like a snowball rolling down hill getting bigger and
bigger.
Another time I
remember being given some money when we were at a ball game. When I was asked what I did with the left
over money after going to concessions, I didn’t tell the truth. My parents corrected me when they realized
what happened.
That is one of the
things that my parents did often. Be
honest. Tell the truth. Do what is right. That is something that I believe every home,
every family, and every parent needs to instill in their kids. If we do not address issues when they happen
or even before they happen, we are not raising our children well.
We cannot be passive
about the realities of our world. My
parents and family were not and are not perfect, but they spent time pouring in
to me and brother what is truth and right.
They took us to church. They
loved us and demonstrated much of what is important for people who want to live
by faith.
Spending time with
my parents and my brothers this week is a big deal that I am grateful for. Mom is getting stronger, and I pray she is
able to move out of the nursery/rehab center to home later this month. I am enjoying spending time talking with my
dad. I have already spent some time with
each of my brothers. I love them big
time and pray for them often.
Moving forward isn’t
always easy. Last evening we visited my
home church which is always a treat when we see some of the people who mean so
much to me. I was sitting between my dad
and my daughter Rebecca. As we sat there
I realized that this little girl will in a few weeks move to college and begin
a new part of her life. Not many years
ago I was moving away from this church to go to college. A few years before I was in middle school
learning and enjoying my church family.
That was an eye
opening moment, but I am excited for the days to come. My past is laced with great things and
moments, but our future also is open to great blessings and opportunities make
memories with my kids and family.
It is my
responsibility and opportunity to pour the same truth and right living in to
the lives of the people that I have influence over. I am grateful that my parents and others did
that for me!
I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children
are following the truth.
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