Wondering Out Loud: Father's Day Reflections

"You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." 2 Timothy 2:1&2 (ESV)

This past Sunday was Father's Day and it was an opportunity for me to speak with my father and to hear from my sons. I am so grateful that God gave me a father I love and respect and four sons I love and am proud of. I was able to call my dad early on Father's Day and speak with him prior to his departure to come north for the summer. He and mom were scheduled to leave their home in Dowling Park, FL at 9:00 AM Sunday to begin the trip to their cottage in Maine and by the grace of God they will spend a night with us later this week.

As I was talking with my dad I was reminded of how much I appreciate the instruction and example he has given to me. He loves the Lord and he loves my mom. He has spent much of his life studying the Word of God and has given me an example of one who rightly handles the Word of truth. He has lived his life with integrity and has modeled service; service to God, the church, his wife and the world. Following his retirement from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, he and mom went to India for six months as self-supporting missionaries, an experience he chronicled in the book shown below.

I was also blessed as I heard from all four of my sons. I am so thankful that I have a good relationship with each of the boys and we are able to share openly about what God is teaching us. Barb and I are looking forward to us all being together next month at the Shaw family reunion in British Columbia. Robbie, our oldest, was just up for a brief visit with his wife Kelly. David and Marianne, home from China for 10 weeks, called from Colorado just before heading to Texas. Josh, still living in Alabama with Jennifer and Erin, is doing well and stays in touch with us on a regular basis. Shawn, our youngest, has just 2 days left in his sophmore year, then he will be off to a week of camp in Alton Bay, NH.