Tip of My Iceberg

He just wants to be like his dad.

Our Colorado clan had an incredible week of family vacation at the beach in South Carolina. Moving from mountains and cooler temperatures to unending sun and sand. From hiking and unexpected snowfall to beach combing and fishing in the ocean.

Beck loves to spend time with his dad, who is a true outdoorsman. Whether they’re trekking mountain trails or casting a line to catch that elusive fish, Beck will accompany his dad anywhere.

When the chance came to help reel in a catch, Beck was there, proud to be part of such an amazing adventure.

He’s three. Catching anything is an amazing adventure.

When I was younger, I wanted to be just like my Dad’s mom, Granny. We’d go visit her every summer, making the drive from Chicago, and entering a world totally different from anything we experienced day to day.

Granny lived in a huge old house where she and Poppy raised their five children. The staircase alone was magical–25 stairs high and a banister that reflected the polishing bottoms of countless children sliding down it. Lest we become irresponsible as we followed the history of the banister, Dad showed us the dent in the floor where he lost his front tooth when he fell off.

Granny had a huge garden where she taught us to harvest her vegetables and a root cellar where she stored her canned goods–colorful jars of the things she grew. We’d hide down there when the weather was too hot.

She was the most amazing cook. She could take ordinary vegetables, which we all pretty much hated, and make them delectable. She told us stories of growing up as her dad worked laying tracks for the railroad. Granny’s family made breakfast every morning for the crews–biscuits, pancakes, eggs, and hot coffee. I wish I knew how she’d made those biscuits.

What I loved about Granny was that she was tough, didn’t quit, and had the courage to continue to run their small farm after Poppy died. She was very different from the women I grew up around in the Chicago area.

I wanted her courage and perseverance. Growing up, I was timid and shy, not sure of who I was or what I was supposed to do.

We want to be like those people we respect, those whose lives have reflected the character and values we would like for ourselves. People who have impacted our lives for good.

Jesus reminds us that following what is good and true will lead to a life of contentment. He alone is good and true.

“Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with Him and live a life of love.” Ephesians 5:1-2a

Often, like Beck, people want to imitate their parents. Parents aren’t always perfect examples of living life well.

Jesus is. Following Him gives us the perspective of how to love others well. How to receive His love.

Isn’t being loved one of the greatest gifts we can receive? And give?