2 Timothy 1:2-6, 13 – To Joel, my dear son. I thank God as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandparents and in your mother and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you. What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. (NIV 1978, A personalized paraphrase)
My Musings – Most of my musings over the past couple of years have come from a book of daily devotions that I wrote for my son when he graduated from college. He had spent the better part of his life getting “educated,” and I guess I wanted one last shot at offering my advice before he launched off on his own, putting his education to work. The above “personalized” verses from 2 Timothy was my last entry in the book, and my last musing from that book.
Originally entitled “A Father’s Devotions,” I have for some time now been referring to them as “A Dad’s Devotions.” I also added a subtitle, “Reflections from God’s Word.” Why the “subtle” change? I think the following sums up my thoughts.
Dad & Father – “The main difference between a father and a dad is that father is biological; however, a dad’s relationship is emotional. Fathering is an act of nature, while, being a dad is all about nurture. It is much easier to become a father, many even do it unintentionally; however, it is much harder to commit to becoming a dad.(http://www.differencebetween.info)
I am Joel’s father. I grew at being Joel’s dad, or at least I like to think so. Nature and nurture.
Devotions – 1) Love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person [as in a dad for his son], activity, or cause. 2) An act of prayer or private worship.
I loved the dual-meaning of the word and how it played into my writings to him.
Reflections – 1) A thought, idea, opinion formed, or a remark made as a result of meditation. 2) An effect produced by an influence [as in a dad on his son]. 3) The production of an image by or as if by a mirror.
I wanted to provide Joel with some thoughts, ideas and opinions to meditate upon, while in the process doing my best to be a positive influence. Not to make him a mirror-image of me, but to allow him to grow in likeness to his Savior.
Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. Listen to your father, who gave you life [your dad who gave you nurturing]. (Proverbs 23:19, 22, NIV 1978)
My Advice – Joel believed my musings were worth sharing on my blog. I hope you have liked and been inspired by a few. Inspired to grow closer in relationship with our Abba (an Aramaic term for father suggesting familial intimacy – dad?) Father, by becoming more like His Son Jesus Christ, through the enabling of the Holy Spirit.
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV 1978).
How are you doing? Are reflections in mirror as close as they appear?
The Brew Is A Musing 