|
|
Christian Indie Radio
GetChristianMusic
Solid Walnut Music
|
|
|
|
|
|
Devotionals
|
|
Cartoons
Culture
Family
Games
Health
Homeschooling
Humor
Inspiration
Kids
Men
Ministry
Parenting
Poetry
Teens
Women
|
|
Statement of Faith
Contact Us
|
|
|
|
Sea Dad
by Peter D. Mallett (Peter's bio)
Barry sat on the couch on his knees. His elbows were resting on the windowsill, his chin in his hands. He knew his Dad would not be home until tomorrow, but he was playing a game with himself pretending that today was the day. Imagining that if he would stare out the window long enough and hard enough his Dad would walk up the driveway. Then he would rush out to meet him. Mom walked into the room and saw Barry sitting there.
"Oh Barry what are you doing? Your dinner is getting cold. I thought you said if I let you eat in here today you would watch your video and eat dinner."
"I know Mom, I was just pretending. I was pretending that today was the day that Dad would be home. I wish it could be today. Then I'd sit at the table and we'd tell Dad about how much we missed him, right?"
"Yes, Honey, I wish it could be today too. It won't be until tomorrow though and we have to go to pick Daddy up."
"Yeah, that's why I get to miss school!"
"Yes, but right now you need to eat your dinner. Then you need to finish picking up your things. Then get a bath and get some sleep so we can get up real early, ok?"
"Ok, Mom."
As she helped Barry with saying his prayers and helping him into bed, Barry remembered all the prayers he said for his Dad since he'd been gone. Barry's Dad was an officer in the United States Navy and he'd been on a six month mission. Tomorrow the ship would pull in at 8:30 am. Barry and his Mom would have to get up much earlier.
The next day it was still dark outside when Barry's Mom woke him up.
"Wake up Billy. Today is the day," said Mom.
After a minute of waking up Barry got very excited. He had so much to tell his Dad. They got ready and headed to the military base.
Once they were at the military base they went to where the ship would come in. While they were waiting Mom opened the breakfast they had bought. They talked about all the things they would tell Dad when they saw him.
Finally the time came and they spotted Dad coming down the walkway making his way toward them. Barry ran up and gave his father a hug. Mom was only a second behind. They hugged for a long time. Suddenly Barry couldn't remember any of the things he wanted to tell his father. He was just glad that he was there. Dad knelt down to look Barry in the eye.
"Son, I missed you so much."
"Dad I really missed you too, and I was worried about you. Weren't you scared, and lonely?"
Dad smiled, "I was missing you both. Sometimes it seemed difficult, sometimes even a bit scary but I was never alone. I knew you were praying for me. It felt lonely sometimes, yet I knew I wasn't alone."
"Because God was with you, right Dad?"
”Yes, Barry, that's right. I thought of you and Mom and God a whole lot. I read my bible and prayed for you both too. There is one verse that really gave me comfort. Would you like to hear it?”
"Sure Dad."
”It's here in Psalm one hundred and seven verses twenty three, twenty four and twenty five.
"Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters, they have seen the works of the Lord, and the wonders of the deep. For He spoke and raised up a stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea." (NASB)
”Wow, that's neat Dad. So you were reminded everyday that God was with you! Isn't that great Mom?"
"Yes, it is Barry. Come on let's head for home."
As they got into the car, Barry started to remember all the things he wanted to tell Dad about and on the way home Dad hardly got a word in edgewise.
Copyright 2002, Peter D. Mallett. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
| About Peter D. Mallett: I live in Virginia near the ocean. In a few minutes I can be at the beach but I can't quite hear waves from my house. I love God. I like writing, drawing, and taking pictures. I don't have a wife or kids right now but I enjoy talking with kids. Kids have bright things to say and they are not afraid to try things like peanut butter and banana sandwiches. E-mail Peter |