One of the first video of tapes of me that exists is this scene . . . it was the front yard of my parent’s house. I was tiny, maybe 3 years old. I wore cowboy boots, shorts, and a baseball cap (I guess I have always been aesthetically challenged). There was a miniature baseball mitt on my left hand.
My shoulders were slumped over and my knees bent, as I crouched waiting for baseballs to be hit my way. My next door neighbor and lifelong friend, Boone Benton (he is six years older than I am), did the hitting. Though I was thrilled with life at that exact moment, there were no smiles. I was the definition of focused intensity, at least for a 3-year old in cowboy boots and shorts.
Cards on the table; most of the balls went around my glove and through my legs, but I clearly loved it nonetheless. I would chase the ball down from behind me and throw it back to Boone with every bit of strength I could muster up. I didn’t mug for the camera. I just went about the business of honing the skills of a middle infielder.
The video is grainy and jumpy, but my memory is not.
Thinking of that video, two things come to mind about my youth. The first is superficial, while the second has impacted my life for the good well beyond my temporal comprehension.
First, I LOVED playing baseball (and football) growing up. It was my life and passion. Since I have chronicled some of this already (CLICK here), I will let this rest.
Second, my Dad was no doubt the one holding the camera and coaching me in my fielding technique (the video camera didn’t have sound, so I’m not completely sure).
In a world where fathers are often vacant, either physically or emotionally, mine was always present. He was always there for me.
My Dad did a lot of things well in raising my sisters and me. However, I don’t think anything was more important than his consistent, steady, and stabilizing presence.
Dad worked hard at his job. He was good at it. Dad had many friendships which he valued and for which he sacrificed. Dad was a good son to his aging parents. However, our family was always his priority. This was never in doubt.
As soon as I was off to college as the last child, the golf clubs came out and the trips to Florida became more frequent. This was never the case when I was a kid, though. There just wasn’t enough time for everything. Hobbies for him were non-existent for that stage in his life. Looking back, he chose his time wisely, and for this I am eternally grateful.
Now I have the joy of having two brothers-in-law whom are tremendous dads to my eight nieces and nephews. Like me at their age, I’m sure they don’t see this now, but Bill and Kevin are also always present. I’m proud of Bill and Kevin for many reasons, but none more than the simple fact that they have always prioritized their children. They will never regret this and neither will their kids.
Dad’s birthday is next week and I will miss it again. By my count, this will be the 11th birthday of his I have missed while living overseas.
In a way, I honestly believe the blessing of my father’s presence is one of the many factors which has enabled me to move out in faith towards my chosen profession. His presence provided me with the confidence and emotional security to work and live in the situation I have here in Asia for much of my adult life.
It is often said that we perceive our heavenly Father, God, in light of how we view our earthly fathers. While I have my fair share of struggles, doubting the presence of God is not one of them. No matter the situation, location, and/or perceived danger, I always have confidence in God’s presence with me. Even in personal pain and other such areas, I know God is with me. No doubt, this is one of the legacies of my earthly father always being present in my life. I look forward to seeing how this factor will manifest itself in the lives of my nieces and nephews (sorry Becky and Betsy!).
I’m certain that my living overseas is hard on Mom and Dad. I know it is on me. I can only imagine what it is like for my parents. While I was fielding grounders in the front yard, cowboy boots and all, I’m certain it was not their dream for me to move 12,000 miles away from them. I’m sure this has been a painful “letting go” for them.
However, on this my Dad’s birthday, I am grateful for his simple, yet profound presence in my life. Though is looks different now, it is still as important as ever.
Thanks Dad. I love you.
Have a great birthday and I owe you a breakfast at the Hickory House when I am next home!
(In this post, Epic birthday surprise, I explain the picture of Dad and I hugging at the beginning of this post.)
Beautiful post! I love this quote (and know my dad had the same influence on me):
While I have my fair share of struggles, doubting the presence of God is not one of them. No matter the situation, location, and/or perceived danger, I always have confidence in God’s presence with me. Even in pain pain and other such areas, I know God is with me. No doubt, this is one of the legacies of my earthly father always being present in my life.
Thanks Brett!
John, I loved your blog, you have an amazing Father & Family, love the closeness that your family shares. I know your parents are sooooooo proud of you and the path that you have chosen, I know I am. I so enjoy hearing of your childhood and seeing how you grew up to become the wonderful man that you are today. Family is so important and you show us that in all your blogs. I admire you in so many ways, past and present. Keep up the good work that you are doing in Asia and come home to Georgia soon. Love & Hugs!!!!!
Thanks Jane…have a great weekend!
John, that was beautiful, and so true. I have always thought the world of your dad, and your precious mom, too!
Thanks Dianne…great hearing from you here!
Thanks Son
My pleasure, Dad!
It’s not often that I hear men speak so openly about the steadfastness of their father. It’s usually other qualities which tend to earn respect and admiration from sons. But this is a beautiful testimony and an honour to your dad. He must be beaming inside and out! Your post challenges me to pray for the fathers I know…and to pray for children who do not have the presence of an earthly father to know the steadfast love of the Heavenly Father! Grace and peace…
Thanks Alexis. I agree, in that since I wrote this, I have had those with no father’s a home on my mind a good bit. Unfortunately, I am not the norm here.
Hope you are having a good weekend!
Great post! Love how you connected your dad’s presence to not doubting God’s presence in your life. Wish more people on this earth could experience what you had growing up—-it’s a true grace gift.
Thanks Ali. . . I completely agree!
I read this post with my ‘sons’ on my mind. This is a great attribute to your earthly father as well as your heavenly Father. It’s my prayer that as they grow, they should always know that God is always present in their lives and will give the same testimony as above when they are grown.
I wish your dad a happy birthday in advance and thank him for the work that he did to raise you to be a godly man who is a blessing to others and also for the sacrifices he made for you and your siblings. There are not many such testimonies.
I agree, Tatuu. It is quite a blessing and something to pray for in our society as a whole.
Of course, I have known your father (my uncle) , my whole life. I also value the impact my own Dad has had on my life. One thing I love to see when our families visit each other is how our dads sit and talk – as twins they have an especially close bond. As an outsider looking in, I always see two Titans of the role of Father. Becoming a father myself years ago, I always tried to fulfill that title in the same manner our dads did. What an awesome gift we were given, John, to receive the love and stewardship of such incredibly wonderful Dads.
You are right. It is always fun seeing how much they enjoy being around each other. We are fortunate.
Good stuff John. I always knew your dad was a good one. Heck he treated me like I was a part of the family. I have very fond memories as well. Please tell him and everyone I said hello and he did an excellent job raising you! Take care brother
James, great hearing from you! I’ll let my Dad know you said hello.
Hope things are well!