Sharing the Savior’s Story

Father's Job

The night was dark. The boy was small. There was a full moon, but heavy clouds shut out the light of both moon and stars. An eerie glow was the light by which the boy with his father walked along the swamp's narrow path. The passageway was narrow, just wide enough for one. The father had walked the trail in the past and so he led the way for his inexperienced son. His orders had been simple—just one sentence, really. Dad said, “Son, stay behind me and stay close.” So, past the clutching vines and tree branches that took on the shape of horrible, clawing hands, they walked. Dad knew what was in the darkness; the boy didn't. But he stayed behind his father and stayed close. Together, they finished their march through the marsh. That father knew his job was to lead the way.

The day was bright. The boy was small. The snow had fallen from heavy clouds and was so brilliant you had to squint to see. The walking was wearisome. Dad had needed a drink or two with his friends. Giving orders for everybody else to stay home, he started out alone. He blazed a new trail through the heavy snow. Only as he approached the tavern did he turn at a noise made behind him. There was his son. Far too small to break through the snow by himself, the boy was, with proud confidence, matching his small stride with that of his father. Together they finished their march—but not at the bar. Dad turned back and carried his son home. That father should have known his job was to lead the way.

Excerpt from The Lutheran Hour broadcast of: June 15, 2003