Gò0dNews for Fathers
Making Lasting Memories
T
by Dr. Alan Hix
his month we celebrate Father’s Day. My own father
James Boswell, was the biographer of Samuel
went to be with the Lord many years ago, so, for me,
Johnson, a famous English poet, playwright, essayist,
Father’s Day is a time of remembering. One of my
moralist, and literary critic. Boswell frequently mentioned
favorite family pictures was taken when I was about 15. In it,
a special childhood memory of a day fishing with his
me, my father, and my grandfather are caught in a relaxing
father. Apparently, Boswell’s life had been deeply etched
pose. The feeling that comes through in this picture is one of
for the better on this single day, for he constantly referred
simply being content to be in each other’s company. It was
to the many matters his father had talked to him about on
a “small moment” as moments go, but it is one that is still etched in my memory 45 years later. When we think about the impacts our fathers had on us, we tend to gravitate toward the “big” moments in life—those times when we are conscious of “making memories.” Our adult daughter still fondly remembers that when she was five, we took her to a special breakfast with Cinderella at her castle at Disney World. Another “big” moment happened in her teen years. In the middle of an archaeological dig in Israel, I flew back home just for the weekend to attend her high school graduation. That was a “big” moment. We consciously think about the big moments, but what about the little ones? In 2 Kings 14:3-4, we find a description of Amaziah, one of the
that one occasion. Many years later, the following entry
kings of Judah.
was found in his father’s journal. These are the words
“And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not like David his father. He did in all things as Joash his
penned by Boswell’s dad: “Gone fishing today with my son; a day wasted.”
father had done. But the high places were not removed;
What was a “small” moment for Boswell’s father, was a
the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high
pivotal moment in the life of his son. I sometimes wonder if
places” (ESV).
either my father or grandfather ever realized what that one
We find a similar description of other kings of Judah
“small” moment meant to me. Fathers (and grandfathers),
as well. What we can see is that they got the “big” things
be sensitive to the opportunity you have to impact your
right—the national religion. However, they didn’t take care
children’s lives even in those “small” moments!
of the smaller things—local religion. As a result, the hearts his people into exile due to their continued disobedience. The “small” things had been overlooked.
8 // June 2021
About The Author
of the people were not turned toward God. God finally sent
Dr. Alan Hix is an Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years.
