That
phrase, “Lucy, I’m home,” is well known from the Lucille Ball show from decades
ago as Desi Arnaz, her
TV husband and husband in real life, would come into the scene and tell her
he’s home. Maybe you have never seen the
show, but it is well known. It is also
my favorite part of the show.
I sat
Wednesday afternoon on the love seat in our living room receiving text from our
middle child about the location my wife and children were in as they made their
way home from Georgia. Yes, we were only
separated for a couple days, but I miss my family when we are not together. They have my heart in big ways. It was so cool when our two dogs and I opened
the doors that all of us were excited to see each other!
When I
am home alone, there are some good things and some bad things. I eat wrong when are a part (I do that at
other times too, but worse at these times).
I enjoy sleeping stretched out across the bed (but I miss my wife
too). I could go on, but I will stop
there.
One of
the things that I do a lot of when we aren’t together is to pray for each
member of my family much until we are back together. In fact, these two days a part have been
extremely insightful and strong. God has
called me to love, lead, provide for, share with and so much more for this
family. I also realize that many other
things and people seek the attention of my family. I have to fight to love and share with them.
As my
girls get older there will be boys who fight for my girls’ attention. Our son is eat up with a video game that
takes much of his attention. It is hard
but important for their mother and I to seek to guide and love them through
these times. Parenting isn’t for
cowards. Having kids isn’t for the faint
of heart.
Being
a great and godly dad isn’t easy, but today was one of those “Lucy, I’m home”
moments that I will cherish. But I will
also continue to teach them to love God, to think great thoughts, to plan to be
successful and to make great choices. I
cannot make all that happen; yet their mother and I can have a huge influence
on their lives. To not plan to make a
difference in their lives is to do wrong and misuse the blessings that God has
given their mom and me.
Here
are some verses that I have been claiming:
James 5:16 NASB
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray
for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can
accomplish much.
Hebrews 10:24 NASB
and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
Ephesians 6:4 NASB
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the
discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Psalm 103:17 NLT
But the love
of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children
I think you get my point.
As I have shared with you before I am more committed than ever to pray
for my wife and kids. One again I thank Mark Batterson and his book Praying
Circles Around Your Children for the inspiration to pray strong prayers
for our kids.
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