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The courage to do big things

A devotion honoring fathers

With Father’s Day coming up, I find myself thinking about my father, the many fathers who work at Buckner, the fathers Buckner serves and the mothers who often must fill both roles.

Fathers encourage us 

My father died 22 years ago at the young age of 70. He was a good man loved by everyone. Like many fathers, he was the parent who encouraged his kids to try things my mom certainly would not have. 

I recall my brother and I jumping ramps on our bicycles. My dad watched for a while before spreading the ramps far apart and told me to try it. To me, it looked like an Evil Knievel kind of jump, but I wanted to show my dad I could do it.

I started even further back than my previous jumps to maximize my speed, hit the ramp and gloriously soared through the air. It was an amazing jump, up until the point where I hit the landing ramp.

On impact my handlebars spun around, and I flew over the top of them sliding face first on the asphalt. My face, arms, hands, and glasses where all scratched up. My dad hurried over and checked me over while comforting me and reassuring me that it was a great jump.

Fathers challenge us 

Since then I have thought about this experience and other similar experiences with my dad, and it reminds me of our heavenly father. He challenges us to do big things and gives us the room to plan and create. 

Our heavenly father has a plan for us but in his plan, he knows there are going to be trials and he is always there to pick us up when we fall and are bruised. 

Thankful for the challenges

For all the moms out there who may not have a father in their children’s life, be protective but also encourage the impossible. You must pull double duty, and it is not easy. That is why you are extra special.
 
I am thankful for the trials, not always in the moment, but always thankful when I look back on them. I am certain the challenges and trials prepare us for the day when we will finally meet our heavenly father face to face and understand his plan.
 
"I will guide you in the way of wisdom and I will lead you in upright paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered, and when you run, you will not stumble." –Proverbs 4:11-12

Written by Charlie Wilson, president of Buckner Retirement Services.

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