Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Youth




One of my earliest recollections was a Christmas before my mother died. Then I remember being told of her death (I was 5 when she died), her funeral, JFK's death and Hurricane Donna that hit our home in Florida. Those memories were sad. Some good early memories are meeting my wife at church (I was singing at her church), dating her, getting married and moving from Kentucky to Florida. Getting on the Sarasota Fire Department, graduating the Fire Academy and later getting promoted. Having a baby girl, then a baby boy and watching them grow. Later moving back to Kentucky, my children getting married and them having babies of their own. Now I'm a grandpa and I wonder what happened with all the years. Life happens so fast and although my mind feels young, my body is calling my mind a liar. Because I do not know how many years I have left (none of us do) I realize now more than ever the importance of making each and every moment count for the best.

If you're still young, enjoy your youth because before you know it, it will fade. Enjoy your wife (or husband), enjoy your children and enjoy your parents - Jackie and Jamie :) . Although I had a hard childhood, God has blessed me with a wonderful family and I want to enjoy the rest of my days with them.

As I age I also realize the importance of my walk with the Lord. I am re-evaluating all aspects of my relationship with God. I think I need to take a break from somethings such a playing the guitar, singing and teaching Sunday School at church and concentrate on my personal relationship with the Lord and family. I want to go to church with my family as this is important to me. I ask for your prayers as I seek God's will and wisdom. I encourage you to look at your life as well. We only get one life and we need to make it the best life we can. After we die only a few things will really matter. Were we good to our spouse, our children, our parents and did we serve the Lord the best we could.

11 comments:

Jackie said...

I like this post!

Brooke said...

I'm glad you're Ella's Grandpa :) She enjoys you too :)

Donovan said...

Thanks Jackie and Brooke! I love you both!

Jack (Dad)

Anonymous said...

Dad D - Dude, your blog is deep and makes me think. You are a great man who loves your family and I respect and admire you. You are a great role model and an awesome Grandpa - Ava, Ella and the future grandkids will love you like crazy!

Donovan said...

Thanks Geoff, that was very kind.

mommyz3girlz said...

Very good post, Jack. Every day is a gift from God and we sometimes forget that. No one knows what the future holds. I often wish I had told dad that I love him more than I did. I wish I could go back and change some things in my life that I did that I know hurt him (and mom). I treasure every memory I have of him and look forward to the day when I see him again in heaven. I try now to be a good daughter to mom, a good mommy for my girls and a good wife for Dave. Thank goodness I have a forgiving family and Heavenly Father because I know I let all of them down sometimes. Life is busy and we all need to remember what is important...God, family and taking care of ourselves (both spiritually and physically). I thank God every morning for giving me the gift of another day!

Donovan said...

Laura,

Thanks for your comment. I know we all have regrets; for things we've done or maybe things we failed to do. As long as we live we will make mistakes because we are human. God loves us in spite of our shortcomings.

I appreciate your openness! God bless you.

Jack

Todd, Kari, Anna and Gracie said...

I think this is a beautiful post. It made me cry....you seem to do that alot..LOLOL ((Smile))

Anyhoo, thanks for the post!! Once again~ you wrote one that touched all of us!!

Donovan said...

Sorry it made you cry, but I'm glad it touched your heart. I thank God I have this opportunity to share with others.

Todd, Kari, Anna and Gracie said...

Ohhhh you dont have to be sorry...I thought it was wonderful! (smile) Well, I did want to tell you this past week~ probably two nights I was able to sleep very well through the night. Tonight...I woke up...but I have been praying to God to give me a good nights sleep....I think God is helping...he did those two nights I was able to~ I know that for sure!!! Thanks for your prayers...I will continue to pray for you and your family. Have a great weekend!!! ((SMILE))

Donovan said...

Thanks! Also, I'm glad your sleeping better.