Father's Day

Just woke up from a nap. I slept in intervals last night; 30 minutes of sleep, then awake for an hour or two. Needless to say, I was a bit tired when I got home. Just wanted to post a little blog today because it’s Father’s Day. Unlike most of the guys I hang around, my relationship with my dad isn’t all that great. We get along alright, but considering that we haven’t seen each other in almost twelve years, our relationship is not where it should be. So I’m listening to Brent’s message this morning and my first thought was, “Great. My father left when I was four, so I haven’t exactly seen a good example of being a good husband and father.” But as Brent continued in scripture, he pointed out that in Ephesians 5:25-31, Jesus is supposed to be our example.

I know. Duh moment.

And I’ve read enough books to know that as well. Sex God, The Radical Reformission, Vintage Jesus; they all make this point concerning being a good husband and father.

But the statistics are still there. Fifty percent of marriages fail, and those whose parents are divorced are fifty percent more likely to go through at least one divorce themselves.

I don’t like those statistics. Not for anyone, but especially not for me.

Which is why I love what Brent said about legacy. He talked about how his grandfather decided that even though no one in previous generations gave a crap about legacy, he was going to be the one who changed that, even if he didn’t reap the benefits in this life. And because of his grandfather’s decision; because his grandfather took the road less traveled decided to follow Jesus with everything he was, to be a Godly husband and father; because he thought of his family and future generations instead of himself, his son, grandson (Brent) and now his great-grandchildren have a legacy. When people meet Brent and find out he’s J.A.’s grandson and James David’s son, they are impressed. Even though they don’t know anything about Brent, he has he grandfather’s and father’s legacy and reputation. And what Brent said was that for those who have not had a good legacy passed down through the generations, it is up to us to change that. So while I may not have much of a legacy from my father or those before him, I’ll be damned if I don’t leave one for my children and grandchildren and so on. Wouldn’t it be great if 250 years from now, my great-great-great-great-great-great (you get the point) grandson introduces himself to people and they say, “You’re a Jones? You come from good stock.”

I guess you could this is my declaration.

J