Fine Young Man

Man, I really learned something today. We had access to a party barge and an awesome jet ski. I pulled the tube with the party barge for a while as a friend drove his two sons on the jet ski. They looked like they were really having a great time. I hope so. I got my turn on the jet ski, taking Holley for a few trips back and forth across the lake. Later on, Kristy and I dragged Drew on for a quick ride. I dropped them off at the boat and took off by myself. I opened the thing up across the lake, veering into coves to check it out. I went around in circles and wove back and forth, and then realized that I was jut plain bored. What? On a jet ski on a beautiful day on a great lake! Why am I bored?

The only thing I can think of is this: I can’t handle journeys that are going nowhere and moments that aren’t necessarily spent accomplishing anything. And yet, I want too. I want to enjoy the journey and I want to enjoy moments of simply “being”. I don’t know where this thought will lead, but it is an interesting thing to learn on a jet ski.

Today at Holley’s last softball game, I told Kristy that I needed to run to the restroom. I left Drew with her while I went. I was doing what you do at the restroom, not thinking that Drew was anywhere around. Then, I heard the voice.

“Daddy…daddy…daddy…,” came the voice. It was coming from the sidewalk outside the concrete building and it was coming closer. I knew his voice instantly. It was the voice of my son. I don’t know why but I was amazed that the voice was so familiar to me that I could recognize it above all the other noises of the ballpark. I suppose the familiarity comes out of hours of relationship that have been built up over the last 4 years.

I felt close to Father in that moment. Surely, if I could recognize my son’s voice, He can recognize mine! I bet He feels the way I felt, too, in a way that blows me away!

Me baptizing my daughter, Holley, with Kristy in the background

Today was a very special day and one that we have been discussing for a week. Holley made the decision to take the next step in her faith journey and be baptized. I had the awesome privilege as her father to do it. It was so moving and amazing!

Eleven years ago, our Father gave us a beautiful little girl. She is growing up so fast. Sometimes it’s hard to watch everything happening so quickly right before our eyes.  Yet, Kristy and I are so proud of Holley and thrilled about her decision.

Today she gave herself back to her Father. It was the right thing to do. He is the best!