Dearest Swen,
This is Grandpa Dan. You know, the tall, good-looking, smart one is Grandpa Dave. I’m the other one. I look a little more like Santa every year.
I write these words at a time of uncertainty in my life. I have thought for some time what I might give you of real value. I could watch The Andy Griffith Show with you. I could introduce you to fine music and some great places to eat Mexican food. I could tell you funny stories about your Mom, but I’m afraid we would both get in trouble. As soon as you learn to talk, ask her about the mink and muskrat.
The best thing I can give you is my prayers. Only God can give you the life and eternity I hope for you. So, Swen, I pledge to God, your Daddy and Mommy, and you, that every day for the rest of my life I will pray that:
Your home will be filled with love, grace, and forgiveness.
Your parents’ love and commitment will continue to grow through the years.
Your parents will model a devotion to God.
You will always be patient with your parents, because just like you and me, we are all a work in progress.
You will have all the simple joys of childhood.
Your days will be filled with laughter, because a lot of life is just plain silly.
You will be careful not to believe all of Auntie Debbie and Auntie Roxanne’s stories, especially the ones about me.
You have lots of adventures with Patch and Spaz.
You discover God’s love and accept His free gift of salvation through Jesus.
You will know you have been chosen by God to be His treasured possession.
You will always reflect His grace and forgiveness to others.
You will discover the freedom and abundant life through obeying God.
You will feel the contentment of holding loosely to the things of this world.
You will hunger for the satisfying Word of God.
You will grow strong and peaceful as you face the trials of life.
You will be thankful for the Giver of all gifts.
You will develop a servant’s heart, always willing to give sacrificially to others.
You will know the delight of having Godly friends.
You will be blessed with the extraordinary gift of a wife and children.
You will experience the joy of living out God’s plan for your life. He made His plan for you before the foundation of the world.
You will know at the end of your days that you have had a life well lived.
Swen,
Believing in Jesus and You.
Grandpa Dan
The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16
2 comments:
Thank you, Dad. I'm going to print this out for Swen to keep. Love you!
dan and debbie,
I wish I had known about your blog(s) much earlier. reading them is like sitting and chatting with both of you, something I miss a lot.
keeping you in my thoughts and holding you up to the light.
much love
cindy
Post a Comment