January 13, 2014

Editorial

Some weeks ago I received a historical family document. No, it wasn’t the official birth record of a far-distant (yet important) ancestor. It also had nothing to do with a significant study or article written by one my forebears. My mother had discovered it among her “treasures” while she was cleaning out her home in preparation for moving into a smaller apartment. It was a typewritten nine-line note that an 8-year-old had written to his father. I had sent it to my papa, who had left earlier that year as he had taken a new job, while my mother organized the official household move to our new home.

I confess that I cannot remember the exact moment or my specific mood. I imagine I was just thrilled to be allowed on Papa’s old typewriter. The short note contains all the exciting news of an 8-year-old and his world; it also contains a number of spelling mistakes and punctuation anomalies. I do not know my father’s reaction as he opened a letter carrying many notes from his sons and wife. I imagine he was as thrilled as I am when I discover a note hidden deep in my suitcase from one of my daughters as I travel for the Adventist Review.

I smiled about the last line in my note: “I am also doing well,” and I chuckle about my 8-year-old wisdom and observation skills. “I am also doing well” reminds me of my daily talks with my heavenly Father. “I am not doing bad, Father,” I tell Him; “I think I’m OK,” I maintain—and yet the reality is often more complex than that. I imagine God relishes my summary notes, even though He knows the reality may be different. Like any father He loves, above all, to hear from His children. Keep writing those notes to your Father—and be real. n

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