Recently, I read a quote that said, “While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” This quote came to life when our grandsons were in town visiting. Jake was sleeping on the couch and Josh beside him on a blow-up mattress. On the nights when Kelly had been able to get them down fairly early, she would allow me to go up and talk with them.
The boys love to “snuggle.” Our routine is for Mimi to take turns snuggling with each boy. So, in order to be fair, I climb under the covers with one boy for ten minutes and then switch to the other for the second ten minutes. They love to talk about the days when I, their Pop, and their mommy were little. Some stories they love to hear over and over again, and others bring about the following response, “We’ve heard that a lot, tell us a new story.”
I began to tell them the story of their Pop and how when he was a little boy he had a horse named Red. He got the horse into a full gallop headed across the field when all of a sudden ole Red decided to stop. He planted his hoofs in the dusty Texas dirt and off Pop went busting his bottom lip on the ground, resulting in several stitches. You can see the scar even now all these years later.
They laughed as I finished the story. Then Josh said, “Pop is really strong, isn’t he?” I responded, “Yes, he is. But Josh, what made you say that Pop is strong?” Jake chimed in, “Well, he holds himself up on his walker, and you have to be strong to do that.” Josh, “Yeh, you do.” I began to talk to the boys not only about their Pop’s physical strength, but about his spiritual strength and what a godly man he is. I wanted them to understand that true strength comes in having a deep relationship with Jesus and knowing His word, like their Pop does.
We talked about what a great man he is and although he cannot walk, run, or talk with them as much as he would desire due to his disability, he is displaying for them an inner depth and strength of character that I pray they will never forget. We each concluded, snuggling in the dark that night, that their Pop is a great man!
I prayed with them, and as I left the room my heart was full. I want to always be a part of their lives and teach them about life, especially about living a godly life. That night they taught me what life is all about: recognizing the strength of a man who walks with God and displays His godly character in and through his life.
“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.”
Father, you know the pain I feel in watching the very life being taken away, little by little, from my husband. But, I am so very grateful for the godly example he is setting for me, our family, and others. The strength he has, both physical and spiritual, is the result of living a disciplined life. He has “worked out” in the early quiet of each morning, gaining strength for the day from your word. He is strong and he is great because of Your presence in him. May you always be evident in his life and may those who know him never forget the life he lived for You and for Your glory!
“Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:3-4
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1
“Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father.” Proverbs 17:6