9/4/10 ……………………….for 33 years. In 1977, Daddy was told that he was border-line diabetic and that he needed to watch his diet and to exercise. He did just that. No questions asked. He followed doctor’s orders.
Daddy is DISCIPLINE in all caps. He has also persevered and that says a lot. Most of us are good for the short haul. It’s the long haul that gets us. Scripture supports Daddy’s lifestyle----admonishing us not to grow weary in doing what is good for others. Yet, it’s our own health that enables us to do that very thing. In Romans 12: 5 God’s word restates that tribulation brings about perseverance and perseverance, proven character.
This past year has seen a real change in Daddy’s 88 year-old body so he no longer walks at the mall. He no longer walks as far or as briskly---but he still walks. He has even fallen once on his neighborhood walk so he’s being more careful with his “wheeled” walker. He still laces up his Nikes and puts on his Kentucky hat. (His blood runs blue.) He even stops to chat with the neighbors, though he tells me when he leaves he can’t remember who they are. He’s having to learn to enjoy the moments for what they are.
Meditating on Psalm 71 had me somewhat prepared for my time with Daddy this weekend. I am his next generation and yet it was already my turn to give back to him---to remind him that he will not be cast off in old age or be forsaken when his strength fails. God never forsakes and sometimes he uses others to be his hands and feet. I am unimaginably grateful for brothers who share the privilege of helping Daddy age well. It’s still hard to say good-by and I have knots in my stomach when I leave him. Yet, I know that even from afar, I can help him continue his spiritual walk as we share our Upper Room* devotions. It’s the Methodist way---the walk he knows. I want to continue that walk with him.
*Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interest of others. (Philippians 2:4, Upper Room 2/4/10)
