Walk With Me
On the night before school began, I asked all of my children the same question as I tucked them into bed. “What’s your favorite memory from this summer?“
While most of the kids mentioned the BIG WOWs-– vacation activities, amusement park visits, water park outings, and beach trips– Lizzy thought for a moment and then replied, “I’ve got lots of good memories, Mom. But I think one of my favorite memories is when Daddy took a morning walk with us.”
Shocked, I said nothing.
Lizzy interpreted my quietness as forgetfulness and tried to jolt my memory.
“Remember that day, Mom? Luke was at camp and Daddy FINALLY had a morning off and right before we headed out for our walk on the path, I asked him to come with us, too.”
“I remember,” I whispered. Yes, I remembered. 
The heat index on that sultry July morning had been at least 100 degrees. The air had hung thick as molasses. The leafy green canopy drooping still and silent above our heads had begged for a whisper of wind, while blazing shouts of steamy sunshine had proudly replied in jest.
Though his t-shirt had been soaked with perspiration, Rob had walked side by side with Lizzy that morning as if the two were out for a cool ocean-side stroll. He’d swatted sweat beads from his brow and listened with care to the flits and flutters of ten-year-old chatter. He could have hurried her home to the air conditioning with steady pushing and prodding, but instead, my man who hates heat and humidity had slowed his stride to match that of his eldest daughter’s. And I had loved him for it.
Their daddy-daughter meanderings reminded me of a poem I’d written after taking our firstborn on a family walk when he was just a diaper-clad toddler. Though I’d scripted the words with an earnest heart, I couldn’t truly comprehend just how quickly those baby feet (and all the feet to follow) would grow. Nor could I have fully understood what a privilege it would be to journey alongside my children as God transforms them into ones whose steps bring Him glory. Oh, that our walk would be steeped in grace!
I agree! Time with Daddy has an extra-special silver lining 🙂
Why did I about start crying???? This is such a sweet story! It’s the little things the kids remember! It’s the time we give them! Sometimes I try to complicate it…I think…I just need to go on a simple walk! Life just got easier! =)
I think the “dad” part…was what made all the difference! My kids love when dad finally has a moment for them!
And thanks for your insight, too, dear friend. You should start a blog! 🙂
Hope to see you soon!
It’s the big things to them, but seem so little to us. We spin our wheels with all this organized fun stuff and all they really want is us. How special that must have made Rob feel…Its like that with the Lord too, isn’t it, we do a big study, we journal, we makes lists of prayers, He really just wants to take a stroll with us. Thanks for the message here!