The blessing of words

In a file in my office I keep letters that were sent to me by some very special people in my life. Some of them are letters of thanks, others are simply little notes of encouragement and support. They are some of my most treasured possesions.

I have never been rich as the world counts wealth, but God has bestowed upon me treasures that other men covet. I was reminded today just how valuable time, relationships and communication are.

As Tristan and I walked the paths and trails I realized how blessed my life really is. Our conversation flowed as easily as the water along the streams feeding Radnor Lake. We may not have solved the problems of the gulf war, or the down turn in the economy, but we discussed religion, philosophy and literature with an ease and comfort that comes from years of heartfelt conversations.

We all love our children and its hard at times to watch them grow up and find their place in the world, but some things are more difficult to let go. When Tristan left for college I missed our evening conversations, while he spent three months in Europe our conversations were almost non-existent, but today was such a welcome reunion.

Through the years we have had many conversations. There were those difficult father/son talks that had to be made, times when discipline had to be imposed, and the lectures that came as he began to grow into manhood. Today was different - while it was a father and son soaking up the glory of God's creation, something had changed. I got to spend today talking man to man with the son I love and respect.

Thank you for the life you have chosen to live, may God continue to bless your years with maturity and faithfulness.