“My favorite ice cream is peach mint.”

Everyone chuckled as my nephew, Grayton, explained this fascinating new ice cream flavor he loved. We were playing a game at dinner while we devoured chicken nuggets and fries. The game was simple. Whoever held the toy is able to talk. If you didn’t have the toy, you couldn’t talk. I presented the table with a question and passed the toy (R2D2 to be exact) around as we answered. We were having a blast talking through our favorite things and the best parts of our day when one of Grayton’s answers stopped me in my tracks. “What was one not-so-great part about your day?” I asked. Grayton grabbed the R2D2 and pondered a moment. He replied, “I didn’t like when my dad had to leave for work. I wish he could’ve stayed and played.” My oldest, Knox, took the toy from him and said, “Yeah, same here.” Although the answer did make me a little emotional, hearing a boy’s love for his father was beautiful. It showed how healthy and wonderful the father son relationship can be. Now I know that my brother-in-law, Mike, and I spend a TON of time with these boys. It wasn’t about that though. This was a boy’s love for his dad that always wants MORE quality time. Even if we were able to spend the entire 24 hours of the day together, it wouldn’t be enough. 

Later that week, I found myself at an impromptu Waffle House dinner with Knox. We sat down across from each other in a booth as he beamed with excitement. After we ordered some waffles, he looked at me and said, “Dad, can I come sit with you on your side?” The close quarters of the small booth was too far for him. He wanted to be closer. We sat down, elbows touching, and enjoyed a breakfast style dinner that I prayed would never end.

Reflection. 

Do I desire that type of intimate relationship with my heavenly father? 

Is the worst part of any day when I don’t feel or acknowledge His presence? 

Am I satisfied with “close enough” or do I want to touch elbows with Jesus? 

Dads, don’t give up!  You matter. You matter to God. You matter to your kids. By God’s grace and for His glory, we can live from the love of our heavenly father to fulfill our call as earthly ones. That faithfulness will still be making an impact long after we depart this planet. 

Just fishing with my daddy, 

Ryan