Being There
At 5 a.m. this morning I was awakened with a thought:
“He was only 5’10” tall, but to me he was a Giant.”
Interesting how the thoughts come to us in the most unexpected of times.
“Pop” came home from World War II a little early, having been injured in the conflict. That’s why I was born two weeks ahead of the long line of boomers.
My wife’s Dad was also in the service, and was stationed in St. Louis. The Boston Red Sox/Cardinals rivalry was thus created in our family.
These two fathers also shared something else in common; they were exceptional athletes. Joe was the last four letter man to graduate from his high school. In today’s more vulgar and coarse society I perhaps should explain I am not referring to the language he used. I mean he was a star athlete in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He would leave the ball field to go run a track event, then go back to the ball game.
Talk about multi-tasking…
My Dad’s athletic talents were equally impressive. He loved sports and we were blessed to have him share his time with us, on the ball fields, in the pool, and on the golf courses.
We learned how to throw a spiral, how to think ahead, anticipate, and make double plays, how to get out of sand traps.
We also learned about values through their example.
Grandson George is about 2 yrs and 9 months old. He has amazing coordination; already hitting tennis balls, golf balls, baseballs with confidence and ease. He is the beneficiary of some great genes on both sides of his family tree.
I watched the Hour of Power this morning, as I usually do. We need to stay grounded with our values, and this program helps me do that.
Carey Casey was on the show, and he emphasized the need for dads to “Be there and take responsibility for their children and their family.”
What a powerful message.
Dr Schuller’s sermon was entitled “Live Life at its Best”, and he continually referenced “Gentle Giants.”
He selected Galatians 5:22 as a focal point:
“The Fruits of the Spirit are Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.”
To Poppy and Pop, the two Gentle Giants in my life, I remember you on Father’s Day. Thank you for continuing to be here giving us these values, the Fruits of your Spirit.
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