My grandson gained a new baby brother a few days before we took this picture in the park. He felt like the big boy in the family. A new and unfamiliar role for him, he took it seriously. As we enjoyed our stroll with the new baby that day, he followed his dad and took his ques from him about how to act. He did not follow me or his mom. He wanted to emulate his father.
I've always loved this picture because it's so sweet but there is a deeper reason it pulls at my heart. My grandson's desire that day included nothing less than growing up to look like and act like his daddy.
My father-in-law gave his son, my husband, a plaque with the family name engraved on it followed by a poem. The poem read:
Your Family Name
by Nelle A Williams
You got it from your Father
It was all he had to give
So it's yours to use and cherish
For as long as you may live.
If you lose the watch he gave you
It can always be replaced;
But a black mark on your name, son,
Can never be erased.
It was clean the day you took it,
And a worthy name to bear
When he got it from his father
There was no dishonor there.
So make sure you guard it wisely
After all is said and done
You'll be glad the name is spotless
When you give it to your son.
While the purpose of the poem may be to instill a respect for guarding your character because it will reflect on your family heritage, it makes me appreciate even more what Jesus did when he took on my sin and wore it as his own. He bore my shame.
Just like my innocent little grandson desired to look and act like his daddy, I want to keep my heart clean with the same pure desire. I want to look just like my father. In order to do that, I'll have to keep my focus on him.
Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. Psalm 119:37 ESV
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