3 GIFTS EATEN

 A year ago, today, we were given the diagnosis of Osgood Schlatter Disease for the pain and bumps in youngest son's knees.
"There is nothing that we can do for you. Manage the pain best you can. He may or may not grow out of it in a year or so."
Cold comfort for a 14yr old boy who loves basketball as much as his two older brothers. And when his uncle still suffers from it in his 50's it wasn't looking hopeful.
Basketball had to be curbed. Running must be curbed. Climbing stairs, even getting out of a chair, causes him pain.
Dad has always taught the kids to make the most of every situation...to laugh whenever possible, especially at yourself. Here was youngest son's test.
Youngest son has not given up his beloved sport. Instead, he has developed a whole new set of skills to increase his court time. When he's not on the court he encourages his team from the benches. He makes a joke of his 'gumby knees' and everyone laughs along with him while making room for him. Every day he comes home from basketball and immediately attends to his poor knees with ice packs and elevation.
This morning, with a big smile, he announced, "My 'twins' are having their birthday today, Mum. I'm such a proud parent." I am impressed with his positiveness in spite of the constant pain. He should be proud...proud of his ability to laugh at himself. Proud of his ability to find ways to still be a part of his team. Proud of his attitude. Proud of a test passed with flying colours.


So, to celebrate their birthday I baked his favourite chocolate cake.
He's a winner!

"1000 gifts"...

#78  Phone call to let me know she's OK
#79  Order in the bathroom
#80  Finding an 'enjoy' sign to enjoy
#80  A quiet day finding order
#81  Referred clients
#82  Boys laughing together
#83  Kindness cleaning the freezer for me
#84  Strong arms giving me a hug on his return home
#85  Swapping recipes on twitter
#86  Due to my forgetting to turn the slow cooker on, dinner is already prepared for tomorrow night

3 GIFTS IN YOUR DAD

My Dad...Hhmmm...

While I know he's not yet perfect, there are some aspects to who he is that are pretty close in my opinion. In fact, he kind of reminds me of Abraham in the Old Testament. Firstly, he married a very beautiful woman. Second, He left his homeland and moved to another country. Having followed in his footsteps on this one, I know it requires a lot of adaptability, patience, and a realization of where our home really is. "By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, ...for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God." Hebrews 11:10-11


But more importantly, like Abraham, my Dad is a man of faith. He believes not only that God can, but also, that God does. I've watched him over the years ask, believe and receive.  I watched with innocent child-eyes and saw a real God. My faith was being developed alongside his.

I learnt from Dad to be committed...give yourself 100% to whatever you decide to do. If it's worth doing, then it's worth doing well! If you believe it, then stick to it, no matter what comes at you. Hold fast to that which you believe God said.

And lastly, he gave me a love of learning. He was always willing to hear our 'roast-preacher' over Sunday lunch, as we agreed or questioned his sermon. Many meals would end with concordances, dictionaries, etc, being brought to the table as we pursued a point. I watch as his vast knowledge of world politics (not my favourite subject), or aid development in countries less fortunate than our own, is now shared with the grandchildren over a scrumptious Poppa-afternoon tea,... and I smile. My five world-changers are having their horizons challenged and broadened.

with grateful thanks to Loma Photography ©

3 GIFTS FROM MY DAD:

  ~FAITH 

~ COMMITMENT

 ~ LOVE OF LEARNING

Thanks, Dad.