Father's Day 2021

 

“TRAIN UP a child in the way he should go

- but be sure you go that way yourself.”

~ Charles Spurgeon

 

 

On Larry’s most recent birthday, our sons shared memories of Larry from their childhood to now.  What a blessing to hear and see the ways they recognized and were impacted by the ways he chose to honor God and intentionally parent.

 

* Passed down heritage, through stories and pictures, of family members we weren’t able to know

* Led family devotions and prayer each night

* During Easter, being in “Celebration of Life” together at Tallowood

* Put notes in our school lunch (Along with the notes, Larry included a scripture each day.  The kids who sat at their table asked to read them, too, so they also had the benefit of an encouraging note and scripture each day.)

* Let Mom save our toys and books so our kids could enjoy and play with them

* Went to our ball games, church and school programs, field trips

* Took us on mission trips

* Helped us learn how to mow the grass  (When the boys started mowing lawns for other people, Larry would go with them the first time to help them understand what was expected at each house and answer questions.)

* Offers wisdom to make a good decision

* Knows who to call and where to park

* Taught us how to tie a tie and other life skills at a young age

* Went with us on RA campouts, even when it rained

* Models his faith

* Let us hang out with the big kids, when we were growing up (Larry was the Minster to Youth)

* Prays for us every day (When the boys were growing up, Larry would kneel by each of their beds and pray for them before they woke for the day.  Many a morning, seeing Larry praying was their first sight of the day.)

* Baptized us after we became a Christian

* Always available to help with moving

* Performed our wedding ceremonies

* Has carried on a legacy of faith now being passed down to another generation

 

Each day, may we, too, choose to be intentional about the legacy we want to leave behind.

 

 

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22:6

 

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.

Psalm 127:3-4

 

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Deuteronomy 6:4-7