Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Dad put it there.

"Always By My Side" is an autobiography by Jim Nantz. In this book he relates a story about a really big decision in his life. ABC had made him an incredible offer to jump from CBS and become part of ABC's GMA show. Jim was struggling with what he should do. He could not consult with his father as he had done so many times before because Alzheimers had attacked his father. In the middle of this monumental decision Jim has to go to Augusta, GA to broadcast the Masters for CBS. It just so happened that this was the last year that the great Arnold Palmer would play in the Masters. As Arnold was preparing to go hit the ceremonial first tee shot he spotted Jim in the crowd and yelled, "Hey, Jimmy walk over here with me to the practice putting green." Jim did as he was asked and Arnold proceeded to tell him that he had heard through the grapevine about the ABC offer. Arnold reached out and began to pat Jim on the chest and said, "I know that you wish you could talk to your father about this decision but Jim (as he continued to pat him on the chest) your father put the answer in you a long time ago . . . follow your heart." By the way Arnold never hit one single practice putt he just wanted to impart some wisdom to a young man.

You know Father's day has come and gone and we all celebrated it as usual. We called our fathers, ate meals, gave cards and gifts. Some how I am not sure that this does justice to all that our fathers have done for us. I know that Arnold was right. My earthly father has put so much in me that if I could be just half the man of character and integrity that he is I would be so much further down the road. THANKS A MILLION DAD!!

Thanks to all my spiritual fathers along the road. Morris Sheats, Jackie White, Bob Godwin. Your impartation is still living in me as your wisdom continually guides me in my heart.

1 Corinthians 4:15 (The Message Bible)
There are a lot of people around who can't wait to tell you what you've done wrong, but there aren't many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up. It was as Jesus helped me proclaim God's Message to you that I became your father. I'm not, you know, asking you to do anything I'm not already doing myself.

Our heavenly father has also put the answer inside us.

Romans 8:14,15
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

Your spirit connects with His and we know that we have the answer. The answer is in us.

Reflecting,
Ed

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