A Blog by Josh Agerton

A Father and A Son

Posted on 08. Aug, 2008 by Josh Agerton in Formation, The Fam

Most Fridays I spend the day catching up on other stuff in life…paying bills, running errands, playing with the kids while Leslie gets a break, working in the yard and such. But last Friday I had all three by myself all day. Leslie had to go to some technology training deal for her new part time job she is starting with Auburn City Schools.

So got the day going…a trip to Wal-Mart, the Bank, dropped off stuff at church and then to a friends house. Then back home for some fort building, lunch (during a movie), naps for the girls and a short quiet time for Benj. Then Benjamin and I did some linking logs, (my absolute favorite when I was a kid) and some games on my laptop. Leslie came home soon after. Always good to switch roles sometimes and live in each others world…makes us appreciate each other so much more.

Later that night at bedtime I was tucking Benj in. We read his new Dr. Seus book from the library, The Sleep Book, and then did our usual ritual..prayers then some verses together. Then I asked him “What was your favorite part of the day?” Something I usually try to get him to talk about. He usually goes off and starts talking about the planets or some random thing. But instead he just said, “You”.

It took me back at first. So I asked again, “Benjamin, what did you say, what was your favorite part of the day?” His eyes squinted as he smiled and put his finger into my chest and said it…”You”.

I couldn’t believe it. I was expecting to hear how he had fun building a fort out of quilts in our bedroom, or playing linking logs, or pretending to be spy agents, but not this. I was surprised. I told him that he was my favorite part of the day also.

Days later I’m still thinking about this. More than anything I feel loved. I think this is the kind of love that we all long for from others. When we are loved for who we are and not necessarily what we do for someone else. And it also made me realize how much time with my kids means to them. It is so important and I need to be more intentional about having un-hurried time with each of them.

That word “You” really did something to me. It charged my heart. It broke through the surface stuff of life. It was a moment that needs to be remembered. And since then it’s been as if God is resonating that word in me…like it’s coming from him.  “You, Josh…You are the most favorite part of my day.” But the real deal comes in on if I will believe it or not. I tempted not to believe it but I know it is true. My mind knows it…I’ve heard it all my life. In church, from friends, mentors and from his Word. “God loves you.” But “Josh, you are the favorite part of my day” is different.  It’s deeper, not worn out or used up.  Like I said, this is a moment to remember.

And just so you know…this is not just a special Josh thing…he feels this way about you also. Will you believe it with me?

Tags: abba, Abide, Father, Little Boy, son