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In My Father's Shoes - June 16, 2007
I was thinking of my dad the other day, most likely because we reside at opposite ends of the country, and I am unable to see him as much as I would like.
What I am trying to say is, I miss him.
Dad is now in his late seventies, and needs some assistance in daily living. However, there was a time when 'he' was the one doing the helping; doing the best he could to support his family while also caring for a very large yard, garden, and all those mysterious projects in his work area that kept him constantly hammering, painting, and piddling around the basement.
When dad was in work mode, he wore the same pair of thick leather boots year after year. The well-broken into boots were spattered with paint, tar and grass stains. When my mother would send me into the basement to fetch a jar of string beans or pickles she had canned and stored there, rather than put on a pair of my own shoes, I would instead slip on dad's old boots despite the fact they were dirty, much too big for my tiny feet, and clearly not a female's shoe.
Off I would clomp and slide with an ear to ear grin on my face.
There was something about those old boots of dad's that seemed special to me at the time. Perhaps Sigmund Freud might say it was a childish attempt at trying to follow in my father's footsteps; a sign of admiration for a man I deeply respected and greatly loved.
When I think of this quaint childhood story, I am also reminded that, in essence, Christ also wants us to put on His shoes by following in His footsteps.
My dear friend, let us give our children a good role model who they can look up to, respect and love. And, may we always look heaven-ward, keeping our head, heart, and eyes on Him who is deserving to be called King of King, and Lord of Lords.
Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2005 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living: A Christian marriage manual and Life-guide", "Son Salutations" and "Daily Contemplations", a collection of read-one-a-day modern inspirations. For more information, visit melanieschurr.com - Home
I was thinking of my dad the other day, most likely because we reside at opposite ends of the country, and I am unable to see him as much as I would like.
What I am trying to say is, I miss him.
Dad is now in his late seventies, and needs some assistance in daily living. However, there was a time when 'he' was the one doing the helping; doing the best he could to support his family while also caring for a very large yard, garden, and all those mysterious projects in his work area that kept him constantly hammering, painting, and piddling around the basement.
When dad was in work mode, he wore the same pair of thick leather boots year after year. The well-broken into boots were spattered with paint, tar and grass stains. When my mother would send me into the basement to fetch a jar of string beans or pickles she had canned and stored there, rather than put on a pair of my own shoes, I would instead slip on dad's old boots despite the fact they were dirty, much too big for my tiny feet, and clearly not a female's shoe.
Off I would clomp and slide with an ear to ear grin on my face.
There was something about those old boots of dad's that seemed special to me at the time. Perhaps Sigmund Freud might say it was a childish attempt at trying to follow in my father's footsteps; a sign of admiration for a man I deeply respected and greatly loved.
When I think of this quaint childhood story, I am also reminded that, in essence, Christ also wants us to put on His shoes by following in His footsteps.
My dear friend, let us give our children a good role model who they can look up to, respect and love. And, may we always look heaven-ward, keeping our head, heart, and eyes on Him who is deserving to be called King of King, and Lord of Lords.
Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2005 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living: A Christian marriage manual and Life-guide", "Son Salutations" and "Daily Contemplations", a collection of read-one-a-day modern inspirations. For more information, visit melanieschurr.com - Home
