tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893987.post116362340459862896..comments2007-07-06T16:05:16.237-05:00Davenoreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893987.post-1166038180326263532006-12-13T13:29:00.000-06:002006-12-13T13:29:00.000-06:00CATS IN THE CRADLE - Harry Chapin<BR/><BR/><BR/>My child arrived just the other day<BR/>He came to the world in the usual way<BR/>But there were planes to catch and bills to pay<BR/>He learned to walk while I was away<BR/>And he was talkin' 'fore I knew it, and as he grew<BR/>He'd say "I'm gonna be like you dad<BR/>You know I'm gonna be like you"<BR/><BR/>And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon<BR/>Little boy blue and the man on the moon<BR/>When you comin' home dad?<BR/>I don't know when, but we'll get together then son<BR/>You know we'll have a good time then<BR/><BR/>I've long since retired, my son's moved away<BR/>I called him up just the other day<BR/>I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind"<BR/>He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I can find the time<BR/>You see my new job's a hassle and kids have the flu<BR/>But it's sure nice talking to you, Dad<BR/>It's been sure nice talking to you"<BR/><BR/>And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me<BR/>He'd grown up just like me<BR/>My boy was just like me<BR/><BR/>And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon<BR/>Little boy blue and the man on the moon<BR/>When you comin' home son?<BR/>I don't know when, but we'll get together then son<BR/>You know we'll have a good time then<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/> As the rest of the team departed the football field on this crisp November day in Minneapolis, my oldest son remained behind kneeling on the field with his head bowed. Mike had just completed his final collegiate football game, a 44-14 victory. I walked towards him to give him my traditional post-game hug. For the last 8 years, I had watched a chubby, high school freshman mature into a strong, complete team leader.<BR/>What a journey !! From that first practice, where he didn’t have a clue what or how to play football, to a complete, all-league warrior defensive end at the collegiate level. 8 years of going to every game and walking onto his battlefield for our pre-game prayer. We never prayed for victory but for protection from injuries for all the participants and strength and energy to bring glory to the Father. 8 years of driving & flying all over this country to see God’s master plan unfold in Mike’s life. At this moment in time, I was filled with pride but more joy !!<BR/><BR/>You see, if it wasn’t for the Lord, who knows if I would have ever seen this or Mike’s life wouldn’t have turned in another direction. 15 years ago, I was an addict consumed with the world and its offerings. I had become a man just like my father. The boys were still young when I asked God, if you are real, to hit me a 2 x 4. God answered my prayer and transformed me into a man that seeks the truth. I became a new man in Christ Jesus.<BR/><BR/>As I stood above my son kneeling on the field, he rose to greet me with that big, broad smile and tears rolling down his cheeks. He had grown to a large man and he wrapped his large arms around me and hugged me tightly. We cried together, holding each other tightly. He thanked me for always being there, from the first day until today. My heart was overwhelmed with joy & pride for the young man that I got another chance with. I could have lost it all but through the grace of God, I experienced a lifetime of joy in this moment. <BR/><BR/>Nothing against my father, because I loved him, but my son had become just like me, the new, transformed, filled with Christ, me !!Maddoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14099317356417885481noreply@blogger.com