Dear Reader,
A few years ago, I came across a book that I've not been able to forget. I’m reminded of it as we head into June, the month that includes Father’s Day. The title is To Own a Dragon by Donald Miller.
Miller reflects on growing up without a father in his life. This is a book that will have the reader laughing out loud one minute, and crying the next. It caused me to really think about my own experiences growing up without a dad in my home and how that affects young men.
Over the years, I’ve watched people closely and taught myself how to do things a father usually teaches his son; things that many sons take for granted. No one taught me to catch a ball or carve a turkey. I remember teaching myself to swim, to shave, to tie a tie, ride a bike. I never had a conversation about dating, sex or money with a male figure...and I sometimes made a mess while learning.
Miller says that 85% of men in prisons grew up without a father. That gives me pause, and it makes me wonder about myself at the same time. I'm sure many believed that would be my fate as well because I was not a pleasant student! I remember one of my teachers assuring me that one day I would be a juvenile delinquent. I spent most of my school days in detention or the principal's office. Looking back, I am sure it was a result of anger that I didn't understand.
Now, I am a father. My poor children have been my guinea pigs...especially my son, John. Luckily, he was an intelligent kid and he made it through my shortcomings. But, I freely admit that I pretty much winged the father thing most of the time.
I love to read and write and always have. So, I constantly gave John books to read about spiritual growth, finances, politics, history, how-to, current events, etc. I could tell it aggravated him...which in turn, aggravated me!
But, when I read, "Dragon," I had a huge realization about why I gave him all those books. I was trying to fill in the gaps that I was afraid I'd miss teaching him. So, I thought if I gave him enough to read, I could give him what I didn’t know myself. Weird huh? John made it by the way! He’s a fine young man, married, and spending the summer in Thailand.
Somehow, God fills in the gaps for us. I’ve learned that lesson numerous times over the years. And though I have studied and preached, Psalm 68:5, "A Father of the fatherless...," I need to accept that in my own life. And understand that God is my father, he has always been there, and always will be.
He's there...and that is enough.
Peace,
James
Rev. James A. Williams
Senior Pastor
Grace Resurrection Methodist Church
A few years ago, I came across a book that I've not been able to forget. I’m reminded of it as we head into June, the month that includes Father’s Day. The title is To Own a Dragon by Donald Miller.
Miller reflects on growing up without a father in his life. This is a book that will have the reader laughing out loud one minute, and crying the next. It caused me to really think about my own experiences growing up without a dad in my home and how that affects young men.
Over the years, I’ve watched people closely and taught myself how to do things a father usually teaches his son; things that many sons take for granted. No one taught me to catch a ball or carve a turkey. I remember teaching myself to swim, to shave, to tie a tie, ride a bike. I never had a conversation about dating, sex or money with a male figure...and I sometimes made a mess while learning.
Miller says that 85% of men in prisons grew up without a father. That gives me pause, and it makes me wonder about myself at the same time. I'm sure many believed that would be my fate as well because I was not a pleasant student! I remember one of my teachers assuring me that one day I would be a juvenile delinquent. I spent most of my school days in detention or the principal's office. Looking back, I am sure it was a result of anger that I didn't understand.
Now, I am a father. My poor children have been my guinea pigs...especially my son, John. Luckily, he was an intelligent kid and he made it through my shortcomings. But, I freely admit that I pretty much winged the father thing most of the time.
I love to read and write and always have. So, I constantly gave John books to read about spiritual growth, finances, politics, history, how-to, current events, etc. I could tell it aggravated him...which in turn, aggravated me!
But, when I read, "Dragon," I had a huge realization about why I gave him all those books. I was trying to fill in the gaps that I was afraid I'd miss teaching him. So, I thought if I gave him enough to read, I could give him what I didn’t know myself. Weird huh? John made it by the way! He’s a fine young man, married, and spending the summer in Thailand.
Somehow, God fills in the gaps for us. I’ve learned that lesson numerous times over the years. And though I have studied and preached, Psalm 68:5, "A Father of the fatherless...," I need to accept that in my own life. And understand that God is my father, he has always been there, and always will be.
He's there...and that is enough.
Peace,
James
Rev. James A. Williams
Senior Pastor
Grace Resurrection Methodist Church
Posted in Rev. James Williams Weekly Blog
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