Reflections of a Father

Recently I was on my early morning walk. It was Father’s Day. As I walked through our neighborhood I reflected on how thankful I am that my wife and I have our four wonderful children. All of them graduated from college and all of them have their Master’s degrees. One has her Doctorate degree. They have accomplished a lot. All of them are married and have a wonderful spouse and family of their own.

As I thought about their lives, families and careers I reflected on the qualities that makes each one unique and special.

Tim is the first born and my favorite son. He is an Assistant Principal at a high school in San Diego. He has always been alert to students who may be sitting alone at lunch or need a place to connect at school. He is a natural leader and loves to encourage students and parents.

Trisha is our oldest daughter. She and her husband serve in a ministry in former communist country in central Europe. She is very clever and always has a new game to play or a new activity to bring people together. She taught school for several years before moving to Europe and has written curriculum for the classroom and various camps. She is great in front of a room full of kids.

Traci was also a school teacher before she and her husband moved to Western Europe to serve with a church planting ministry. All four of their children were born overseas. She bubbles with enthusiasm and it is fun to watch her interact with adults and kids in a foreign language. She has a tender heart and a pioneer spirit when faced with new challenges and circumstances.

Teri and her husband live here in southern California. She is a college professor. She has worked in hospitals and rehab centers helping children and adults with speech and swallowing problems. She is very thoughtful and compassionate as she works with patients and very competent as she trains students and future therapists.

One of the things that encourages me is when our children spend time together. I like knowing they enjoy each other and that they find ways to stay connected.  Our children are not perfect – neither are their parents. I am thankful for their faith in God and their love for each other. I am thankful for they found a spouse who loves and cares for them. Let me encourage you to tell your children often why you are thankful for each of them. They will be glad you did and you will too.

To read more encouraging stories by Mark Hopper contact the author at markh@efreedb.org for your own copy of my book Let Me Encourage You