Rushville, Indiana is nestled approximately forty miles southeast of Indianapolis. The combination of rural cropland and a small-town atmosphere makes Rushville arguably an ideal location for raising a child. Living there certainly came with pros and cons. My parents were always quick to remind me, “Everyone knows who you belong to”. This statement was in fact a double-edged sword multiple times during my childhood. I never needed to look farther than the person standing next to me if I needed help of any kind. However, the pressure of criticism and even judgment were always just as close.
My father was a sports legend in the area. He lettered in baseball, basketball, tennis, track, and football. He subsequently went to college on a basketball scholarship where he was discovered by a baseball scout. After a few years of playing minor league baseball for Pittsburgh, his dream came to a screeching halt due to injury.
With his reputation, came expectations for his children. I viewed those expectations as serious opportunities to succeed or to fail. Although I have never doubted the love of my family or friends, I found it increasingly difficult to function under this pressure. Failure was simply not an option. If I did not succeed at any given task, the ultimate test was displayed in my ability to appear strong even though I might have been terribly weak.
It would be impossible to recount the number of times I heard the phrase, “…..because I know who your dad is” (or something very similar). I would be guilty of rolling my eyes over and over at hearing those words. But at the same time, those words came with a certain level of reassurance.
I doubt that I fully understood the magnitude of the example my dad set for me until he was gone. Make no mistake, I loved him. He was the epitome of Jesus in my life. Unconditional love and grace abounded to me. But the gravity of his impact was not understood.
I now close my eyes and breathe in the memory of him. How
many times did I make unbelievably poor choices? Why did I not stop to consider? Yet despite my shortcomings, my blatant disregard for the high standards he set, and my refusal to listen, he could always be found waiting for me. He never lowered his expectations. He never spoke mean words to me. He simply extended love and grace. This is especially surprising when you know the story of the relationship he had with his own father. The difference? The game-changer? My dad had a relationship with Jesus, and it rippled to everyone he encountered. His literal, every day example to me was priceless.
So now, when I think back to all of the times that I heard, “……because I know who your dad is”, I’m profoundly thankful. I’m thankful for an earthly father who never lowered the bar and always showed me grace when others stood in judgment. And I’m thankful for a Heavenly Father who continues to be there when I come to Him. Does anyone recognize me because of who my Father is? I certainly hope so. If you’ll follow my journey here, I’ll tell you all about Him.
Galatians 4:28 ~ Now you, brothers (and sisters), like Isaac, are children of promise.