You’re Being Watched…Over

My son’s getting married this week.  Yikes!!!  I mean Yeah!!!  He’s the second of my children to be married off and truth be told, I think it may be too late to share with him everything I’ve learned about marriage, family, fatherhood and the like.

I decided at the beginning of this week that basically I have 7 days left to share with him everything I know.  So, in my usual “kinda late for that dad” fashion, I’ve been sending him a lesson a day…in a text.  I’ve started most of the LMLs (last minute lessons) with the premise that what I share comes from my failures and successes.  He can throw it all out the window, take it with a grain of salt, or chew on it for awhile. The fact is, he’s been watching, for a long time.  I’ve been a dad to him for 26 years so chances are more than just what I say, I know he’s been watching what I do.  I was married to his mom for over 2 decades, I’ve been blessed to have 3 of the greatest kids on earth.  We’ve had great memories.  Taught him Jesus and basketball, hopefully in that order.  (I’d like to think I could still cross him up and then dunk it backwards on him on the court…but my knee hurts.)

I checked in with Timothy in the Bible to see what Paul had to say to him, given the fact that Paul often spoke of Timothy as his “son.” His words are far greater than mine and although, speaking of himself, he coined the phrase, “Greatest of sinners” he still had a heck of a life for young Timothy to emulate.

Here’s what Paul would say to us all whether we face a marriage, death, life change, tough time or whatever.  “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever.  Amen.  Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.” (1 Timothy 1:15-19 NIV)

So my friend, you’re being watched, but rest assured you’re also being watched over with eyes of mercy, grace, and forgiveness.  My final advice?  Run!  Run to Jesus now and keep going back to your Father till your final breath.

There’s no place like HOPE,

Stefan