Luke's 5th Birthday

November 25, 2009

Dear Luke:

Today is your fifth birthday. As I reflect back on your first five years, here are ten things I remember with joy:

1. One day in Ohio, I noticed you had dirt all over your face. I also noticed worms. I opened your mouth and there were more worms! You had been digging in the flower garden, found the worms, and decided to eat them.

2. Sometime in the past year, you decided that the traditional "kiss and hug" before bedtime, or when I was leaving for work, was not enough. You decided to insert a "bug," which comes out as a "bzzzz." So now, before bed, or when I'm leaving for the day, we exchange "a kiss, a bug, and a hug."

3. One morning when you were 3, I was walking down the hallway at about 6:30 and I noticed your light was on. I knocked, entered your room, and you were awake and on the floor around your toys. I said, "Luke, what are you doing?" You said, "Dad, I just have to clean my room!" You are so like your mother! I anticipate you will be keeping lists any day now.

4. Just last week, I was cleaning out a drawer full of mostly pennies. You and Katie helped me. You left the room and returned a few minutes later and handed me a dollar bill. I asked why you were giving it to me, and you said, "I was sad that you didn't have any dollars, just pennies." I tried to give it back to you, and you nearly cried, so I kept it.

5. Our times together at the coffee shop make me smile.

6. Just recently, you have started to give answers during family devotions that indicate you are understanding concepts and listening well. Sometimes your responses are astonishingly profound! I'm hopeful for you, that you will live a life that counts for Christ.

7. Watching you when one of your sisters is hurting is a treat. You don't like it when they are in pain or something is really wrong with them. The world will tell you to "be a man" and be more macho than that. Jesus would tell you, "Sensitivity to the needs of others is actually a great part of what it means to 'be a man.' Renounce the ways of the world, deny yourself, and follow me. I define 'macho,' and that not only includes toughness, but also tenderness."

8. You laugh out loud with a hearty, uninhibited, boyish laugh. I love that. I long for it sometimes.

9. I enjoy having you with me when I'm out and about in the community. I'm guessing you are learning quite a bit just by watching me interact with people. I hope you are seeing me respect all types of people, and that you remember your daddy as a man concerned about the physical and spiritual welfare of others.

10. You love your mother. You should! What I recall with joy, specifically, is how you help her with responsibilities around the house. You usually have a good attitude about working, and doing exactly what Mommy says.

So much more could be said, but these are the first ten things I thought about. I love you, Buddinsky. Happy birthday!

Giving Thanks to God,
Daddy

Laughs for Daddy

(A poem I wrote about Lilly, inspired by Luke 6:21b & Romans 8:15)

Year one almost down,
Not a constant frown.
Grins reveal she’s happy.
Still, no laughs for Daddy.

Trying my best tricks,
Including slapstick.
She wonders and she stares,
I sense laughter in there.

Sister brings giggles,
I just get wiggles.
Brother is like Father,
We both just try harder.

Soon she will crumble,
Belly will rumble.
Sheer joy will fill my heart,
I can’t wait ‘til she starts.

Greater laughter still,
I pray is God’s will.
To take the narrow path,
Is a promise to laugh.

Even if none here,
But joyous laughs there,
Happy will be this dad,
If Abba makes her glad!

Syndrome has some say,
Until that great day.
The curse no longer known,

She laughs before His throne.

My Brain

March 17, 2009

Dear Luke:

You are four years old. You play hard. I love that.

Last night, you went to kick a ball, but you missed. Somehow, you snapped backwards sending your head into the grass and dirt. You cried. I hugged you and held you. Then I asked you what hurt, and you responded, "My brain." I tried not to chuckle outwardly, and then I said to you, "I guess you'll now be afraid to go outside and kick the ball around." You smiled and told me I was wrong, totally mistaken! I'm sure you're out there kicking the ball around today.

I love you, my boy. You bring me much joy.

Warmly,
Daddy

Tears for Faithful

January 5, 2009

Dear Katie:

We have been reading Dangerous Journey together, a shortened version of Pilgrim's Progress, and you love it! I'm thrilled that you are so eager to read more, and hopeful the Lord will use it in your life.

Just two nights ago, we read chapter 6, "Vanity Fair." "Christian" and "Faithful" enter the town of "Vanity," and by the end of the chapter, Faithful is burned at the stake for his commitment to the truth, but here's what John Bunyan writes:

But I saw in my dream that, behind the crowds, there stood a chariot and horses waiting for Faithful, who (as soon as his enemies had done with him) was taken up into it, and wafted through the clouds to the sound of trumpets. So, in truth, he fared better than his friend, Christian. He would arrive first at the Celestial City, and, having been Faithful unto death, the King would give him a crown of life (pg. 79).

I read those words to you, and I couldn't keep the tears in. I know you didn't understand why. I tried to explain it to you, but God's grace and promises in Christ are not precious to you yet. I'm praying they will be one day soon.

That same night, I wrote a poem about the chapter and our experience with it. I titled it "Tears for Faithful," and I really hope you enjoy it.

With Love and Prayers,
Daddy
_________________________
"Tears for Faithful"

The fair was full of vanity,
Christian, Faithful, they soon would see.

Locals urged them to touch and love,
But no, their minds were fixed above.

Within a cage they found themselves,
Put there by those headed for Hell.

And then in court, indictments came,
"Faithful!" they railed, "The one we blame!"

Deceit and lies belched from their mouths,
Judgment would fall, there was no doubt.

"Hang him! Hang him!" they made their case.
But worse, they burned him at the stake.

You asked about what just transpired.
I said, "They set Faithful on fire."

But then the story takes a turn,
Faithful would live beyond the burn!

True to his name he faced the pain,
To live is Christ, to die is gain.

So when he died, he did not die,
To God on chariot he flies!

Sorrows, they ceased, and no more strife,
That day he wore the crown of life.

I could not hold my tears in tight,
They fell upon the book tonight.

You looked at me, a perplexed face,
I tried to speak of God's great grace.

The joy and awe that filled my heart,
I pray God soon to you imparts.