From a Father to The Father

Dear Lord; This morning Father, I’m just going to brag a little about my children.  I attended a parent-teacher conference for Aidan this morning, and it was just so heartening to hear the wonderful words of praise from his teacher.  He’s doing very well academically, but that wasn’t really what made me leave grinning from ear to ear.  His teacher started the meeting by saying that for conferences this period, she sat down and came up with three adjectives to describe each child.  In Aidan’s case, she had a hard time choosing only three but the ones she came up with as the top selections just made my day; Curious, Sweet and Helpful.  She then spent time emphasizing to me that while he was a wonderful student, he was just a pleasure to have in her class because he was so focused on caring for and helping everyone around him.  (~Insert Beaming Father Face Here~)  Shannon and I try very hard to instill a sense of empathy and sense of compassion in our boys, but like every parent we have days where we’re just sure we’re missing the mark somewhere.  Today was a wonderful validation that through all of it, we’re doing something right.  Thank You so much for Blessing us with our two Angels, and for helping me see that glimpse of the Men we’re trying to raise.  Amen.  ~Phather Phil

Thoughts on Selflessness

Dear Lord; In yesterday’s email Lord I focused on selfishness whereas today, I’d like to talk about selflessness.  Today, in our Country we celebrate Veteran’s Day.  I’m privileged to know, and have known quite a few people in the Military over the years as well as their families and I can honestly say that in my opinion, what they do for us is one of the most selfless pursuits someone can take.  Therefore as we focus on their sacrifices, selflessness and contributions to our Country today, I ask that You Bless these honorable men and women.  Please protect them, and keep them focused and heartened against doubt so that they may know that what they do is valued and very much appreciated.  Amen.  ~Phather Phil

I’m Sorry, and Thank You

Dear Lord; This morning, I want to apologize to You for something, and at the same time to thank You as well.

When my son Jonathan came into the world, he was born with a very rare and very serious disease called Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis which threatened to take him from us.  He was on chemotherapy and a variety of other stringent treatments starting at 10 weeks old, and we spent the following year and a half basically living in the Oncology Ward at A.I. Dupont Hospital for Children.  It was a terrifying time for my Wife and I, and we lived every day not knowing if he was going to be with us much longer.  Like many others have in that position, I asked You WHY, WHY, WHY were you doing this to us… No answer came.

While we were staying there, I was introduced to the Pastor for the Hospital.  He was a quiet man, and although he walked through a place where there was immeasurable sadness and suffering I remember that I always felt an aura of peacefulness around him.  He tried very much to comfort me at the time, but my heart was not ready to hear what he was saying, so I simply informed him that “God and I were having a difference of opinion at the moment as to what was and wasn’t reasonable.”  He smiled, and said that he understood but that when I was ready, he’d be there.  While I didn’t realize it at the time, this was the start of my Spiritual Awakening.

Time passed, and my little angel bucked all the odds and not only came through the treatments, but managed to thrive in the process.  He’ll be 11 soon, and has been in consistent remission for a little over 9 years.  He is very likely my greatest Blessing, and I thank You from the bottom of my soul for continuing to allow me to have him in my life.

Anyways, to get back to the statement I began the email with, during that period of my life I can honestly say that my Faith was at it’s lowest point.  I felt angry, tired, and persecuted and blamed You for all of it.  However, from all of the time we spent at A.I., my eyes were truly opened in a way that I never thought possible.  We witnessed tragedies, and miracles, and amazing acts of compassion and sacrifice.  What I came to realize was that while I was busy blaming You for all my fears and problems, You were actually teaching me about myself, and WHY my Faith is so important.  So Father, I’d like to apologize for my misdirected emotions, and at the same time Thank You for all you taught me through the process.  Amen.

~Phather Phil

Prayers for a Journey…

Dear Lord; This morning I’d like to lift my prayers to you for some people I’m very fond of.  Today they’re beginning an exciting and well-earned family vacation.  Please protect them throughout their journeys, and fill their hearts and minds with Your Presence so they may enjoy this trip to the fullest and come back satiated and refreshed.  In addition, I pray for Your Comfort and Guidance to be given to their two dogs as they spend this time without the ones they love.  Amen.  ~Phather Phil

Prayers for Jonathan While He’s Away…

Dear Lord; Today Lord, my thoughts and wishes fly to my son Jonathan as he heads off on an overnight school field trip.  Now, he’s been away from home before but for some reason I still worry about him every time he goes off on a new adventure.  Although You continue to bless us with the continued remission from his Langerhans, I still tend to be a bit on the over-protective side where he’s concerned.  Please keep him in Your Loving Embrace throughout his trip, and see him safely home to his Mother and I.  Amen.  ~Phather Phil