Playing on the Hill

(For Katie & Luke, playing out back)

You play upon the hill.

I look and smile 'til,

Responsibility

Is calling out to me.

So back to work I go,

A day's hard work to show.

But still I look away,

Loving to watch you play.

Running around the tree,

Two precious gifts to me.

I'll pause a moment more,

A father's heart must soar.

For sooner than I think,

As quickly as a blink,

My work will be there still,

Without you on the hill.

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

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

"Daddy, I'm Scared of the Monsters!"

June 5, 2008

Dear Luke:

At 2:30 am a couple of nights ago, I awoke to your cries (and screams) of desperation. I stumbled to your room to find you shaking and sobbing in your bed. I asked you why you were crying, and you said, "Daddy, I'm scared of the monsters!" I grabbed you in a "fatherly" way, softly told you that there are no monsters in your room, and I encouraged you to trust in God, reminding you of one of your memory verses, Psalm 56:3, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you." I then prayed with you asking the Lord to take care of you, and almost immediately you were asleep.

I loved being there for you, holding your three year-old little body tight, speaking words of hope, and praying with you. I am blessed to have this responsibility, and I am praying that nights like those affect you greatly, that truths taught by words and actions will be remembered, and then that all throughout your life, when you are afraid, you will put your trust in the Lord. I will not always be there, but if Christ is your Savior, you will have nothing to fear. Remember these promises:

"O LORD, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me. Many are saying of my soul, 'There is no deliverance for him in God.' But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the LORD with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustains me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God! For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the LORD; Your blessing be upon Your people!" (Psalm 3)

"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).

I love you, buddy. Rest in Christ.

With Hope,
Daddy