BIRDIES, FUNNY HUGS, & A LEGACY

I like golf.

In order to fully understand this statement you have to understand my family. There may be more single digit handicap golfers (pretty darn good players) in my family than in any other family not named Nicklaus. A few of us played college golf and several hold multiple trophies representing various victories. I am neither the best nor the worst of the group and quite content with it. My days of playing a few times a week are over. But I enjoy the time that I do play because I know I just won't get that many chances. So when the opportunity presented itself for me to go away a couple of weekends ago to Knoxville to play with some of my co-workers, I was very eager. The weather was delightful, my playing group was a lot of fun, and we had some really great food. There was one exception: I missed home. Yeah, it may sound silly to some to think a grown man can't be gone for one night without missing his family. But there are just things about home I realize supercede my desire to play a lot of golf.

My wife and my little Ella Grace dropped me off in Stanford so I could hook up with a co-worker and ride to Tennessee. As I was leaving, Ella asked her Mommy to "please get my Daddy back for me." I pondered her desire for me to stay home. I realized I would be missing our special time putting her to bed. Each night before Ella goes to sleep, we pray together as a family. Our prayer time includes a lot of thankfulness to God for the blessings he poured on us that day. It also includes our prayer for Ella to be saved one day soon. I have recognized my duty as the father and head of my family to be concerned about matters such as this. I want Ella to live a long life of gospel prosperity, one where she considers Christ in all matters, and works diligently in all things to His Glory. Then, I put her to bed with a funny hug. Ella loves this part. It's silly and we all laugh and sometimes it's hard to get her to calm back down for sleep, but I wouldn't ever consider foregoing her request for it. These were moments I missed.



We're a few months into the pregnancy that will yield our second child. It is with great anticipation that we look forward to the Thanksgiving season this year! I am often asked (in light of already having a girl) if I am really hoping for a son; someone who will carry on my name or I can teach various sports. I reflect on those times of prayer with Ella and think about how undeservedly blessed I am to have a fantastic family. I then realize I am less concerned about carrying on the family name (or playing more golf) and more concerned about leaving a legacy of Christ. My prayer is that regardless of the gender of the children God blesses me with, all will one day proclaim Christ as THE Way, THE Truth, and THE Life. My desire is for them to love Christ above and beyond anything in this world. I hope to be the influence in their lives that points them to Him. And it is why I will pray everyday for all of my children.



I like golf, but I love Christ and this beautiful thread He is weaving around my family.