Once upon a midnight dreary...

I'm sad to say my vacation is quickly coming to a close. I had a brief 4 days off work. No, I didn't visit a fancy beach, a famous monument, or theme park. I had a staycation, but my parents (dad and stepmom) came down for a visit from Michigan. They visit twice a year, once in the spring and fall.

Last visit came to an abrupt end and a tad bit of an argument. Remember my bible verse I always go to when troubled? If not,  Click here for the post :) This visit was remarkably better, and last visit has became a family joke. I learned oh so much from it, and things are slowly transitioning.

For the first time in my life, my father is not drinking liquor. This is an amazing accomplishment for him. I am so incredibly proud of him. He's battled with alcoholism the majority of my life, and it played a tremendous role in where he is at today. He's a different man when he isn't drinking liquor. This weekend was the first time I felt in a long time that true father-daughter connection. We cooked together. We completed projects together. We played card games together. We went shopping together. To top it off, he willingly went to church with Joe and me this morning. I am grateful and blessed.

What was the sermon about today?? Temptation. Temptation??? I like to think we have a humorous God. He knew my dad would be in church this morning. Although my dad has progressed, I know he has a long and weary road ahead of him. I think today's' words punched him right square in the gut. When are we most vulnerable to succumb to temptation?
Hurting
Angry
Lonely
Tired
(You see that?  I have a crafty pastor.)

Halt, stop, quit. You get the point. Not only did my dad receive a great message, but I, myself, was punched in the gut. So many times I push and push myself until I am defeated. I learned it's okay to stop, take a break, and step back. Rest and start again. I needed that.

I hope my dad walks away this weekend with the same experiences I had. He will remember that sermon from today and RUN from temptation. I also hope he remembers the good memories we made this weekend, so the next time he is hurting, angry, lonely, or tired he knows how to beat temptation.

Remember him in your prayers. Remember all those who walk this same road in your prayers.