I have a variety of pics on my desk, one rotates often as I come across memories I want to see more often than in a photo album (or phone). For the past month it has been of my dad and I, taken in 1991. We were visiting my brother in Amsterdam and it was also six weeks since my pacemaker surgery. We are standing in big, yellow Dutch shoes at a farm of some sort.
These shoes were everywhere! Made mostly of wood, but there were also plastic and concrete types, ready to be stood in.
I have quite a few good memories of this trip; shopping at the Christmas markets in Germany, riding the train, having lunch at McDonald’s (except for the Coke, it tasted the same), eating authentic Dutch and German food, traveling to the many castles that dot the country side, etc. But more than all of the experiences; it was time with my father. It was the last trip we would make together; he died two years later.
God worked miracles in our relationship. He was a tough parent. I imagine it was his Norwegian/North Dakota upbringing. I “never understood” him throughout my entire life; until this trip. He was vulnerable, a word I never thought I’d use to describe him. He was also funny. We shared meals and laughter and he often took my arm for support. God mended the fences without words; we just became comfortable with each other. It was an incredible blessing.
Never give up on the people in your life. I have a friend who hasn’t seen her grandchildren in many years; it’s heart breaking. Yet, she continues to pray. And praise. And that, is the best solution to any request. Ask, believe, and be grateful.
THE PIECES 