My Dad, My Blessing December 16, 2007
Category:
Family
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Show Description: This past week marked the five year anniversary of my father's death. I went to church on Monday to celebrate his life. I can still remember very clearly what those last couple weeks of his life were like. But it got me thinking about how grateful I am to have the father I had. He brought such love and security. As we enter into the Christmas season, it was a nice assurance that dad was now in the presence of God. So we are going to talk about the blessing of parents; something I didn't realize I had until after he was gone.
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Allen's Legal Pad for My Dad, My Blessing
Show about real life, right, wrong, not politics
Head home for holidays
Often realize life not worth much without ability to share it with others
I try to be transparent – you get to know me, what I feel, what going on
Important to communicate about stuff like this
This is slice of my real life
Went to mass on Monday – 5 year anniversary of Dad's death
Mini-revival type thing – message on hope
Sat there and gazed at crucifix, took in colors around me, statues of saints, priest blessing elements of communion – for a minute caught a glimpse of eternity – lifted past this world for just a second
Considered dad in presence of God now
But also realized what a blessing he had been to me
Not sure that I realized it too often when he was alive – sad
because my dad was unusual
Quiet, reliable, dependable – consistent
day in and day out – nothing fancy, not stylish or flashy – few words
Did not coach my ball teams, did not throw parties or give big gifts – bought my own car, paid for own gas
He was there – day in and day out – as pastor come to realize what a gift that was
Knew he would leave every day at 7:00 to be at work at 7:30 – and would come home at 5:30 – every day – never traveled – never gone
Stability and security
Frankly, that is underrated in our world – hectic, chaotic, unpredictable lives, kids dashing about from event to event, dads trying to outdo each other, always on the go and talking on the cell phone
Gave me a safe life to explore and grow – not have to worry who would be around, whether we would eat, what kind of home life I would have that day
He was just there – dependable, kind, gentle, and quiet
Took that for granted for much of my life
Showed me that lot of things more important than what you had
Who you are
But as sat in church – just overwhelmed by eternity, by grace, by it all
How fortunate I have been
Were there hard times or challenging times? Sure
But my father shaped me in ways I am just now figuring out – and I am grateful for
Gave me a great legacy
Dad – 5 years later, still miss him, and more grateful for him than ever
Allen's Top Five Georgia Sport Spots
1. Rome Speedway - world's fastest half-mile dirt track. Say no more.
2. Luther Williams Field - Classic, historic minor league ballpark in Macon
3. Atlanta Motor Speedway - Fastest tri-oval in motor sports
4. The Drum - Home of the Mount Pisgah Christian Patriots basketball team
5. Augusta National - would not be a list with out this one
Quotes to Live By
"The way through the world is more difficult to find than the way beyond it."
-Wallace Stevens
E-mail From Listeners
"I also wanted to say that this is the first time I have heard your show and I think I have a new radio show for Sunday nights "
