Recently, I had the opportunity to loan my daughter my pretty blue truck, because hers would not start. I got the call at 6:30 am. I had just got dressed, and my instant reaction was not positive. I was soon out the door and, on my way, to loan her my truck. However, while driving with her and my grandson, something changed in me. Rather than thinking negatively, I began to feel joyful, and thankful for the opportunity to be a good dad, grandpa, and father-in-law.
It seems that in today’s world, we no longer look at parenthood as a fulfillment of being a person, but as a burden. I can’t tell you the number of times I have heard parents say that they “have to” pick up the kids, rather than I “get to” pick up the kids. I “have to” go to work, rather than I “get to” go to work. I “have to” fix dinner, rather than I “get to” fix dinner. I like being a dad, a husband, a grandfather, brother, friend, and an uncle. I find fulfillment in these roles. Filling these roles is part of my destiny, and I like it.
When reading the Bible, we find that not having a child was considered being cursed. Having a child was to be blessed, being fulfilled, and finding happiness. Sadly, for many in today’s world, having a child is to be cursed. One celebrity actually said about the abortion she had that she could not have become the person she was had she kept her baby! What is happening the way some people think? I wonder how she thinks about friends.
I guess that I can blame being half away and not myself when I got the call to pick up my daughter, son-in-law and grandson that morning. But there is still a part of me that is selfish, grumpy, and ornery, before I get that first cup of coffee. I think my guardian angel stepped in and reminded me just how blessed I am. I have to admit that in my youth, I could never have imagined how wonderful and blessed I would be today. Life has not always been wonderful. I have suffered, been traumatized, and lost. Yet, through it all, Jesus has been with me, and I have had the assurance that all would be well.
I am looking forward to the times when I can step in and help out. I can say that I “get to” be a dad, brother, spouse, uncle, friend, and grandfather, rather than I “have to”. I am grateful and I am blessed!
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May he let his face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you his peace.”
