The Little Red Cup

Many times when I think of what to write in these blogs, you come to my mind, what can I write about you? And in 2014 I would ask that you send me some stories or better yet, take a turn at a weekly blog based on your own experiences. Because I find the easiest topic to write about is something I know about, my own personal experiences. So, if you have time and would like to share yours, we would love to have you take a turn or two. Kind of more of you, and less of me.

One personal situation that is most dear to my heart this holiday season is what I am thinking about when I drink coffee on the run from The Little Red Cup my oldest daughter and her children gave to me. I have to provide some background to help you understand. When Tara was very young, about 7, she had to experience the divorce of her Mom and Dad, mostly due to my own stupidity. Tara and I were very close, she was my darling little girl, but, I hurt her in a way that took years to recover from, and to this day has certainly left scars. Though I have asked and received forgiveness, my mind is always thinking back to how much pain I caused and how I wish things had been different.

So every time I look at that Little Red Cup, I think of that, and I vow never again to disappoint her or any of my kids or grandkids, or great grandkids, because of how deeply these things affect them. I certainly wasn't thinking at the time of how much pain it would cause her or the other kids, and I was totally selfish. As the years have passed and God has taught me about grace and love, I have come to be a much improved person, and a much better father. But looking at that Red Cup reminds me that I missed a part of her life I can never get back.

Watching her and her husband Mathew, I see what working on a marriage and love are all about. They have sacrificed much to support each other and their kids. They have also taught me so much about being a better man, and I am humbled to still be a part of her life. When she sent me that Little Red Cup, I did not realize how valuable it would be to me to understand all of this, but I take it as often as possible with me when I travel to remind me to stay connected to my family.

Maybe you too have shared a situation like this and have also a reminder to keep you humble. I believe the most important things we can get out of something like this is understanding grace that God has given us to heal, and the vow to keep our commitments even when it requires putting the needs of others in front of our own.

I heard a preacher once say about his transformation and relationship with the Lord that "He would ever increase, and I would ever decrease.” That remains my hope as well, that my children, my family and friends, would see more of God in me than Glenn. That's why that Little Red Cup is so important, to remind me.

May God bless your week, Glenn