Back in May of this year, my family including my wife and two adorable, precious, gracious children made a list of sorts. It was on the Father’s (my) sticky note pad. Not the small one, mind you, the large 4×6 official sticky note pad. We made a list of things to do this Summer. We made them official and legally binding by writing them down. In May. Of this year. On Paper.
Perhaps a little background will be of help in framing why this is even noteworthy (you are still reading, right?). I had apparently just read a book, or an article, or perhaps just had another teary phone call about another family headed to divorce and pain. IÂ instinctively did what I try to do each time God dumps a bucket of ice water on my head — do a self-inventory, ask for input, check my spiritual disciplines, and set new goals. This time my sore spot was treating my children, who seem to be growing up without my permission, with much more zeal and energy. Thus, the list of great and grand things to do during summer vacation.
So Phineas and Ferb excitedly threw out ideas, places, and activities. We distilled them down to 5 or 6. August 1st came and the list had exactly one item checked off this list formed of guilt, of lessons learned, of new initiative to be a better Father and husband. 1 item off of this teeny, tiny list on a 4×6 sticky note pad.
Today, it is September 10th. After holding my nose and going to a Duke college football game, (I know there is no college football in summer, that wasn’t the exact item. Planning and executing a football trip was) I will have only one item left on the list. Dr. Randy Cox helped me that one, and thanks to a sweet family at Beacon Baptist Church, I will be taking our son fishing at their little pond just like Andy and Opie on that show. By the way, that item was Reilly’s, but I kinda liked it too.
Just hope the fish aren’t teeny or tiny!
