A Tribute of Thanks

Thanksgiving is almost here and I’m looking forward to spending the day with my parents. Family matters! They really do. Judy and I have very few opportunities to be with parents so we make the most of every opportunity. How grateful I am to God for my parents’ example and Godly influence. Just thought I’d say “Thanks” today.

Mom and Dad, you loved me and lived your faith before me. By your words and your “walk” you encouraged me to have openness toward the things of God. He gave me a very precious gift in the two of you. Of all the families I could have been born into, homes of kings, presidents, pastors, sports stars, TV preachers, rich or poor, mighty or obscure, God in His sovereignty saw fit to make you my parents. I know He made the best choice for me. I would not change a thing even if I could. I am profoundly grateful to God for allowing me to be your son.

All my memories are sweet. Whether fishing trips and picnics to Cowan Lake or sitting under the shade tree in Poppie and Ma’s backyard and drinking iced tea, they are precious to me. Those early years with both of you praying with me, tucking me into bed and Dad telling me the story of ‘Little Toot” all over again. Those family rides in the car, and Mom getting on me when Poppie and I were picking at one another in the back seat. On and on this list could go.

Both of you were always there for me and believed in me. I am looking at a small piece of petrified wood sitting on my bookshelf. I cannot remember how old I was Dad when you went on that business trip or exactly where you went, but that little gift you brought back for me continues to remind me of my father’s love.

Mom, I remember one time when you had gone to the neighbor’s house and had not told me. You ended up being there a little longer than you planned, so I found myself looking around the house and not finding you. You were always there, so I began to think that maybe the rapture had taken place, that is, until I saw you walking back across their yard. Was I glad to see you!

You both were there for me whether athletic events, choir or band concerts, Teen Tempo practices and more. You put up with all my practicing and you paid for my lessons. Who knows how many hours of trumpet playing you had to listen to and endure, sour notes and all.

Most of all I am grateful for the spiritual legacy you have poured into my life. It continues to percolate strong in every fiber of my being. I remember prayer meetings with friends after evenings together. I remember Mom praying about needs. I remember Dad leading worship services at church with sensitivity and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. I remember the two of you working side by side to reach out and minister to youth. On and on this list could go. How I now enjoy the times we get together or just sharing with one another over the phone, even on those evenings when I am weary and brain dead.

Your encouragement, support, love, faith, and prayers have been enormous blessings in my life. My words seem weak and totally inadequate to fully express the sentiment of my heart. Certainly much more could be written. However, to try and sum it all up, I do hope this simple expression will let you know once again, in a fresh way, just how much I really do love, appreciate, and care about you.