Happy Father’s Day

Good morning, everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Savor the moment”

Our Bible verse for today: “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3 (NLT)

Our thought for today: “Happy Father’s Day”

As I sit here early in the morning on this Father’s Day weekend getting ready to write this devotional message about savoring time and special moments, I’m in a thoughtful and reflective mood. I’ve been thinking back over my life, about the things that have mattered most and which turned out to be truly important. I’ve had a good life, productive and reasonably successful. There have been college degrees and promotions in the military; I’ve written a few books: owned some homes, cars, trucks, motorcycles, and boats; served as the pastor of three churches; there has been lots of mission trip travel to exotic places, and some nice vacations too.

But sitting here this morning thinking back over the years of my life, none of those memories tug at my heart or bring any sniffles and tears of sweet remembrance. Instead, emotions like that are triggered by other memories. On a bookshelf here in my office, I see a picture of myself and my oldest son Rick standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. many years ago. Rick and I both had an interest in U.S. history and politics. Therefore, that father-son trip to our nation’s capital was a special time for both of us. Rick is in heaven now and that’s a memory I treasure.

I think back to times with my daughter Tracy (who was physically and mentally handicapped and who is also now in heaven). I remember how much she enjoyed the two of us just being together. We didn’t have to “do” anything – just being together was enough. Tracy was a daddy’s girl and right up until her dying day at the age of forty-nine she simply enjoyed being with me (and I with her).

I remember so many nights when my two youngest sons, Tom and Adam, were still little boys and we used to just hang out in their bedroom. With bunkbeds, race car wallpaper, stuffed animals, and toys scattered all around, we would lay on the floor reading stories, playing with Legos, wrestling, and watching cartoons. It was just Dad and his boys hanging out and enjoying being together. Tom and Adam both live in other parts of the country now and so we don’t get to see each other very often anymore.

Then there was the time just last week when I was at my son Tom’s home in Texas sitting on the sofa with my five-year-old grandson Oliver curled up next to me. We were watching one of his favorite cartoons and just enjoying the closeness of being together. How can you beat a moment like that?

Too often we allow ourselves to get caught up in the busyness of life – focusing on the wrong things, and we miss the moments that matter most. Then suddenly, those moments are gone and only memories are left. This morning I find myself thinking much less about past accomplishments and accolades and possessions, and much more about those special moments with the special people in my life.

I’m so glad I took the time to make those memories with Rick, Tracy, Tom, and Adam and I hope to continue making more special memories with the special people who mean the most to me. I hope you do too.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and grandpas out there. I encourage you to savor those special moments with the special people in your life.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you are reading in these daily devotionals and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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