Twenty something hours in a metal cylinder from London to Brisbane can’t help but produce a heightened sense of anticipation as you clear customs at Brisbane Airport.
As the doors burst open your eyes scan the expectant crowd, but they are only looking for those you love and who love you. And there they were. Gorgeous daughter in law Michelle and beautiful granddaughter Ellie waiting with bright eyes, a bunch of flowers and some huge hugs.
As we walked to the pick up zone to meet son and driver Tim, I found an unexpected lump in my throat. Moira, Michelle and Ellie walked in front of me with little Ellie holding her Grandmother and Auntie’s hands.
It was one of the most beautiful sights I’d ever seen!
When we got in the car I said to Ellie, “You know we’ve been right round the world and seen some amazing things, but can you guess what the best was?” As she was pondering her reply, I told her.
“The most beautiful thing was when we got home and I saw you,” I explained.
And I’m telling you. I meant it.
My father and grandfather heart was filled in a way that it hadn’t been the previous few weeks. Of course we had fantastic experiences. From shows and galleries in cities such as London and Dublin to fine dining where jacket and tie were mandatory to half a dozen golf games on some of the world’s best golf courses, to catching a beautiful trout in the River Liffey…but the best experience of all was the warmth and affection of our welcome home.
We tend to keep score in the game of life by counting things that don’t really matter. A better way to keep score is by the things that outlast us. Things like the quality of loving relationships. The help we’ve been able to give those less fortunate than us. The health of our relationship with God.
It’s Father’s Day this Sunday and for those who have been abandoned or abused by their Dad’s it’s a day to ignore.
But for many it’s an opportunity to show gratitude and kindness to a Dad who has been there for them, who has believed in their dreams, who has provided an open door and an open heart and hopefully shown great love for their mum.
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