Not sure if this is true in all situations, but I am going to share it anyway. I have heard it said that grandparents who are actively involved in their grandchildren’s lives never wanted to stop being parents, and grandparents who are not involved in their grandchildren’s lives never wanted to be parents in the first place.
I have learned that being present is about much more than simply being in the same room. It is about paying attention, listening, showing up when it is inconvenient, and making the people God has entrusted to us know that they matter. Sometimes the greatest thing we can give our family is not something we can buy, but our time, our attention, our prayers, and more importantly our presence.
I have been blessed to be able to go through “fatherhood” twice in my life.
The first time I was more of a failure than I was a success. When I became a father the first time I was an active drug addict who was functional enough to provide something for my children, but I did not love my children enough to stop using, and because of my poor choices they were the ones who suffered the consequences of my actions.
I cannot rewrite those years, and I cannot take away the hurt my choices caused. What I can do is acknowledge where I failed, thank God for His grace, and allow Him to use what He has redeemed in my life to help me love my family differently today.
I came to Jesus when my daughters were 6 and 3, and from that point forward God showed me who He was as my heavenly Father and showed me through His word how to be the father my children needed.
About thirteen years ago my older daughter moved in with me and over time she and her husband had four beautiful children, three girls and a boy. A few years back they bought their own house, and yes, I moved in with them. We have a multigenerational household that works very well for us. I have had the honor of watching the children grow up, every day grow in their love for each other and more importantly grow in their love for the Lord Jesus.
I cannot remember more than a day or two where I did not see them or at least talk to them throughout their entire lives.
As I watch over my family I have come to see that the days may go by slow and be long, but the years go by so fast and are so short. Thieodore is 9 and yet I remember him just being born like it was yesterday. But I also remember when Tiasia was born 32 years ago and am so amazed at all that God has done in her life.
I pray often on how I failed in the beginning of raising my children but am thankful that God has blessed me with another chance to come alongside my daughter and her husband because for us, it does take a village due to the special needs each child has.
I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to lead not only my children but my grandchildren to the Lord. I want them to experience my love through the way I spend my life with them, with others, and most importantly with the Lord Jesus.
One of the verses that encourages me when it comes to family is written in Matthew 19:13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
I have learned to be intentional with all those in my life, especially those in my home. My first time raising children I worked a lot, I had a lot of time away from family activities as being an absent dad, but this time is different, every moment I can spend with my grandkids I do, because tomorrow is not promised and today is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it with them.
I have been disengaged in many aspects of my life over the years, but today I vow to be a committed father, a dedicated grandfather, a loving friend, and an encouraging child of God to all I come in contact with.
I also believe that being intentional means looking beyond our own families and noticing the people God places in our path. There are people all around us who need encouragement, patience, forgiveness, a listening ear, or simply someone willing to remind them that they are not alone. We may never know how God will use one small act of obedience, kindness, or love to change the direction of someone’s life.
We do not have to have everything figured out before we begin. We do not have to be perfect parents, grandparents, friends, or followers of Christ; we simply need to be willing to surrender ourselves to God and allow Him to lead us one day at a time, and more often than not, moment by moment.
May all those who feel that they could be better engaged in the work of the kingdom, seek God’s guidance on how to move forward to fulfill your purpose according to God’s plans and not your own.
And if you are someone who looks back on your life and sees mistakes, missed opportunities, broken relationships, or years you wish you could have lived differently, I want you to know that your story is not over. There is still room for grace, there is still room for restoration, and there is still room for God to use your life in ways you may not yet be able to see.
For me relationships are one of the primary ways I measure a meaningful life. Love is demonstrated through presence. None of us walks this journey alone, and there is a place for every one of us in the family of God. May we continue to show up for one another, love one another, and point one another toward Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. And may we never forget that as long as God gives us breath, there is hope, there is purpose, and there is another opportunity to love well.
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My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog
Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*
To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.
