The Importance of 1974

1974

• Stamps cost 10 cents each, but...
• Median Household Income was only $11,197 (in current dollars)
• Miami beat Minnesota 24 - 7 in the Super Bowl
• The Sting got the Academy Award for Best Picture (we saw it 4 times)
• Richard M. Nixon became the first US president to resign from office August 8th
• Charles Kowal discovered Leda, the 13^th satellite of Jupiter on September 14, the same day that...
• Jane and Ted were married

Today, I (Jane) am taking inventory:  When my life is ideal, I am…………….

• married to the same man    
• the mother of the same three kids
• grown up - my chronological and emotional ages match
• honest with myself and others
• connected to family and friends, no matter the distance
• willing to admit when I am wrong
• free of "shoulds"
• confident in who God made me to be
• thankful that we have worked hard on our marriage in the past decade and a half
• savoring rich memories
• friends with my adult children
• accepting that life is not perfect, nor does it have to be
• able to laugh at myself
• content

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WELL DONE, SON!

    OK, I'll admit it. I'm a typical parent, proud of my kids. With that disclaimer, hear me out.
    Last week Daniel invited me to read a doctrinal position statement and reflection paper he had written about his sense of call to pastoral ministry. And I have Dan's permission to share (t)his story.
    I was impressed by the quality of his work. More than that, I was deeply pleased by who he is becoming. I found myself saying, "Well done! I'm proud of you."
    Recalling the depth of my emotion and complete sense of satisfaction the next morning, I couldn't help reflecting on similar words spoken at our Lord's baptism. Powerful words of affirmation which launched three years of exhausting, intense, sacrificial ministry, "This is my son whom I love, with whom I am well pleased." (Mt. 3:17) In that moment I realized there is something in that event I had missed. Emotionally.
    The joy of the Father.
    That day I experienced a father's joy in a new way. Not that Dan was writing for me or to impress me. It came out of who he is: his mind and heart and character. They were his words. His thoughts. Yet they resonate with who I am, what I value, what I believe. I sense a oneness, a unity.
    If my son can bring me such joy can I not bring even greater joy to my Heavenly Father when my heart becomes aligned with his? Not from striving for it to be so, or trying harder. Not by dint of determination and discipline. Rather by simply enjoying what he enjoys. Loving what he loves.
    When I asked Daniel to read this he admitted it felt a bit awkward to receive public recognition. Sometimes I too find it hard to receive (believe?) my Heavenly Father's affirmation. Can I now freely receive his commendation? Without reading my sense of inadequacy into his joy? Without the pressure of feeling I should have done more?
    Today he is saying, "You are my daughter/son whom I love." Will you hear him?

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