
My Dad and I went to his bedroom where we could sit and talk. He lived in a double-wide mobile home, so his bedroom was a little crowded. On either side of his bed were a nightstand and chair. Across from the foot of his bed were a TV and VCR.
After a few minutes of small talk, he told me that he had all our home movies, the 8mm types, converted to VHS. I agreed we should watch them.
I saw videos of myself as a young as three years old and through the years of our growing family. I am the third of six children and the first boy, so I was prevalent in many of the videos.
Wonderful memories came streaming back to my mind.
As I went dreamily traveling down memory lane, I felt the Holy Spirit literally move my chin to the left to look at my Dad. It was like he was in a trance. This question came to my mind: how many times over the years has my father watched these videos?
At that moment, almost like a scene out of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, I felt my heart grow in love, compassion, and mercy. My Dad was oblivious to me being in the room. Gratefully, I quietly wept in my chair for my Dad, feeling such regret at the years wasted by his abandonment and my anger and bitterness.
I resolved in my heart that I would love my earthly father as long as my Heavenly Father allowed my Dad to live. I also made a vow that I would never again allow bitterness to cause such a schism in my life.
We had seven gloriously sweet years together, including me leading my Dad to Christ.
More on that next time…
Photo by Noah Silliman on Unsplash
Thank you for sharing this life event.
I.can only dream of a good father.
God bless you Jackie.