Like Father, like Son

Nothing like a 21-foot fall to turn your life upside down.  That’s how our week started.  One of our sons fell at work, 21 feet off scaffolding.  He backed right off.  Backed right into life changing, horrific, yet merciful mud.   Merciful mud?  Yes, I say “merciful” for he dislocated one finger, broke his shoulder blade and two bones in his back.  Merciful for obvious reasons:  he did not lose consciousness, no surgery was needed, he can still walk – you know things like that.   Needless to say, his life will never be the same. 

Nothing like a 21-foot fall to show your true colors.  My son’s, amazing.   My husband’s, glorious.  Mine, not so pretty.  I have always known about and loved my husband for his steadfastness and his “rock-solid” faith.  None more than I do now.  When I think back on his servant-attitude, compassion and devotion to my son and his family during the last week, I am still in awe.  He was there.  Period.  He did what needed to be done, from changing diapers, to baking cookies, to buying groceries, to changing light bulbs, to fixing shelves, to rocking babies, to cleaning, to watching endless cartoons, to . . . . (you get the picture).  He did it.  If it was needed, it got done.

Then, my son came home; the day after his wife (my daughter-in-love) had their fourth child.  Yep.  You can’t make this stuff up.  J

Nothing like a new baby to turn your life right side up.  The joy and the stress of it all.  Once we got my son home, he did what needed to be done.  My son is in a brace and can’t lift, bend, or really do pretty much of anything.  That didn’t matter, though; he stepped right back into his “father” duties just as if nothing had happened.  When I think back on his servant-attitude, compassion and devotion to his family, I am still in awe.  He was there.  Period.

Life father, like son. 

Nothing like a father and a son showing love and determination to remind me of what’s important in life.   I tear up every time I think about it.  As I look at the manger AND the cross, it reminds me of our Heavenly Father, from the beginning of time, was ready, willing and able to do what needs to be done for His children.

Christmastime is a perfect time to be reminded of our Father God’s servant-attitude, compassion and devotion to us.  His love for His “family” – you and me – that is shown by His gift to us – His Son – who like His Father, stepped up, and no matter what it cost, gave all.   

Philippians 2:6-8

Christ Jesus, Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient to death – even death on a cross.

 

He was there.  Period.  Like Father, like Son.