One year ago today, I walked into the ocean with my wife and two sons. I stood there as I watched both of my boys be submerged in the waves and smiled uncontrollably as they were brought out of the water with new life. Then they turned to my wife and I and, just as my oldest son had led me back to Jesus a few months earlier – he baptized me and my youngest son baptized my wife. This was such a memorable and heart warming step in our spiritual journey that I will never forget.
I was baptized as a young child and I believe my parents arranged this because “that is what you are supposed to do”. But I had no idea what it really meant and I certainly did not have a relationship with God at the time. My father was a spiritual person but we never committed to going to church. We attended several churches throughout my childhood. Almost like a sampling to get exposure or even to check off a box. When I had children of my own, I wanted to teach them about God and Jesus, but I also wanted to teach them about other beliefs. My philosophy was to give them the information and let them follow their heart for their own decision. I cannot tell you if this good parenting or irresponsible – but I can tell you it worked out just like I hoped it would.
In my son’s junior year of high school, a college counselor recommended that he tour a small university in south Florida. She thought it would be a good fit, she warned us that it was Christian university but not to let that scare him off. Just go and check it out. Something was telling her that it would suit him very well.
During this tour, my son was enamored with the beauty of the campus, the friendliness of the students and staff and the small family feel of the school. During the last day of the two day event, they arranged for all of the students to attend a chapel service. During this service my strong willed and super independent son felt the presence of God and after the service gave his life to Jesus.
After months and months of convincing and maneuvering, he was able to get me to go to church with him. As a family we began to go most Sundays. I will admit, at first it was just for show – to support him and his new found fire. However, during one Sunday service, I looked down the isle and saw him and my other son completely engaged and thought – why not? Why not open up to this idea, what do I have to lose? Why not give God a fair chance in my life? Why not stop fighting the pull I was feeling every time we walked into this building?
My ‘why not’ quickly became a yes. All God needed was a little opening into my heart to start filling it. I got serious about spending time in the word and the more I put in, the more He poured in.
Every step in this journey has been eye opening and heart warming. Not every step has been easy – far from it in fact. But every step has been worth it.
As my son pulled me out of the water, I knew my life would never be the same. But I never expected the path He has paved. And I know He is just getting started. Looking back, I know there are events that have occurred that can only be explained by God’s divinity. And I will forever be grateful for His grace and persistence.
If you are reading this and you have not opened your heart to God… why not?
Dadvotionals 