In many countries, September 7th is celebrated as Father’s Day. I felt that this was an appropriate message for fathers, indeed all parents. And in this week of sadness with the tragic death of Diana the people’s princess, and only hours ago the passing of the saintly Mother Theresa, we are reminded of the need to give ourselves to others in love and service.

DO THINGS TOGETHER

Last year I was privileged to attend the eightieth birthday of a very good friend. He is a true Christian, having given himself unstintingly whenever called upon to serve the Lord.

For the first time in many years my friend and his dear wife had gathered together their seven children, their spouses and children and their children – altogether four generations. One son and his wife had travelled from the United Kingdom to Tasmania to be present on this auspicious occasion.

My wife and I and four other good friends joined with the family to share in this wonderful birthday party. It was a time of great hilarity as stories and memories of the past were exchanged. There were the inevitable speeches, one of which stood out above all the others.

The eldest daughter had been given the responsibility to thank her father and propose the toast. She said a memory of her early childhood that had remained with her over the intervening years was because her father and the children ‘did things together’.

Those three words have stayed with me and have prompted this message. They are so important. We are slaves of time – we are ruled by it. Hurry and worry are the great killers of our age. They are also killers of relationships. Couples marry. Usually they both go out to work. Their time together is restricted. Children are born. In no time at all they are teenagers with interests of their own. Time past is time lost – it can never be recaptured.

Have we ‘done things together’? Have we spent enough time with our partners – quality, relationship cementing time? Have we ‘done things together’ with our children and our grandchildren? Has that time been character building? Regrettably, the divorce rate and the problems of homeless youth, drugs and teenage suicide would indicate that society generally has not related well. But the family in this story, after nearly 50 years, is strong, united and loving because ‘they did things together.’

Are you a prisoner of time? Is this affecting your relationships? Then ‘let go and let God.’

Have a good week. Pastor Ron