I received an unexpected and amazing Christmas gift this morning. My Dad, who is 76 years old, parted ways with the Church many, many years ago even though he went to Catholikc SChhool and Church as a boy.
I could barely get him to come to Church when my wife and I got married. We've spoken about religion many times over the last 10 years but he just never really got it. I prayed that he would find his Peace with Christ before his days on earth ended.
About two months ago, I heard thru some Friends that my Dad had started attending service at the local Catholic Church. I was shocked!! Dad hasn't attended a Church service in about 45 years. He's become a regular at the Catholic Church so several weeks ago I asked him about him now attending Church. In his ever so simple way, he simply said, "I like it and enjoy going". Good enough for me!!
So now onto this AM.....
I attended service at 10 AM at our Church (Presbyterian) in Gettysburg. I took my 92 year old Aunt with me and that was an amazing gift for me since I haven't worshipped with her since I was a young boy.. We were sitting in a pew just chatting with others around us about 5 minutes before the service started and....... in walked my Dad!!! I haven't worshipped with my Dad since I was about 5 years old and when he walked in I poked my Aunt and said, probably a little too loudly, "Hey look who's here!".
The absolute joy in my heart at that very moment can't even be described. The three of us sang and prayed together and it had to be obvious to those around us that something special was going on for us. Just before the end of the service I put my arm around my Dad and gave him a quick hug. He reached over and tapped me twice on my heart. For my Dad, that is the equivalent of an emotioanl scream from the rooftops!!
After the service Dad asked me to show him where the men's room was so I took him and waited alone in the Hall. An old Church Friend saw me and stopped and said, "I see your Dad with you... that's nice." I told her that we hadn't worshipped together in over 40 years and that I was overwhelmed..... and then the tears came over both me and her.
What an amazing gift I received today!!
Merry Christmas all.... and Peace!!!
