There are some moments in life that make a permanent mark in your mind. More often than not, these moments cause a stir in your heart. An unexpected moment that brings up multiple memories and feelings all at once. A moment that combines your past with the future and leaves you in the present with hope and excitement.
One year ago, I had a moment like this...
While the stress and frustrations in office and at home began to build, a night away from it all was just what I needed. David and Theresa invited Karli and I over for the evening to play with the kids and just relax. We had some laughs, played some games, and had a bonfire. But there was one thing that sticks in my mind the most from that night...a childhood so different than the one I had.
Bed time has come. Each child jumps into bed about as hyper as they were when we arrived. "I love you, Daddy. I love you, Mommy," they each say in their own way. Then they gather around Daddy to read some interactive Bible stories. They do some motions. They repeat the words. They learn about the God that is a million times bigger than they are and can make all things good. After stories, Daddy prays with each child. They thank God for everything in their life and end with an Amen. Mommy and Daddy tuck them in and give each child hugs and kisses. The door closes.
While this simple routine may happen with a number of families across the globe, it is one that I never experienced in my childhood. I had to leave the room with tears in my eyes at the life that I could have once had. How could my life have been different? How could my family have been today? The picture of a true faith-based family working towards a Christ-centered home makes my heart sore. While tears of sadness at a childhood that was lost fill my eyes, they are followed by tears of joy and hope at the excitement of passing on such values and routines onto my future generations.
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