Wallets

My mother and farther gave me a gift when I was young.  To be honest, I only realized I had received the gift fairly recently, some thirty-plus years after the fact.  I could blame on my parents for not making it more explicitly clear.  In hindsight I don’t know if I would have grasped the meaning of the words.  Even if they adapted stories, metaphors, and a variety of descriptions to their gift, everything would have gone in one ear and out the other without much comprehension, if any. 
 
Their gift was simply themselves; fully and completely towards and to my future.  If I needed something they were willing to sacrifice.  If I was wayward they were there to correct.  If I took on the challenge, with every step they were cheering me on.  They didn’t seem to worry about winning or success.  They were there to help in anyway they could.  Even when I messed up or perhaps especially when I messed up (given the sheer number of times this scenario repeated itself) they were there to help pick up the pieces. 
 
It is only recently I have come to realize just how much I received.  The realization didn’t come because they reminded me of anything.  Rather it was the gift of relationship from Carli and Whitney.  In their efforts to engage fully and completely in life I find myself discovering a role my parents have always filled in my life; cheerleader, supported, and on occasion guide.  It is an honor to be part of the process.  I realize now that anything in my Dad’s wallet was mine.  Perhaps it was a good thing I didn’t realize how open the door was, however I did know he would always be there.
 
In their way Mom and Dad introduced me to God.  We are all God’s kids.  With both Fathers I can turn to Carli and say with confidence, “Everything the Father has is also mine.  That is why I've said, ‘He takes from me and delivers to you.’” (John 16.15)  Divinity’s wallet is wide open.