“Making A New Memory” By Doug Fincher

March 7, 2016 - “Sons are a heritage from the Lord --children are a reward from Him...” Psalms 127:3

When I was Pastor of The First Baptist Church of Mauriceville, Texas, I received a surprise visit from Dr. R. G. Commander, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at East Texas Baptist University In Marshall, Texas. He was soliciting my help as a ETBU alumni in the construction of  a new Science building at the college. Dr. Commander’s two children and I received B.A. degrees there in 1958. 
     
Several minutes after he drove away, he returned to our house.  “I forgot to tell you something”, he began. “As you know, for many years,   I’ve been pastor one of the largest Baptist churches in Texas and serve on the Board of Trustees in two Texas Universities.  I’m proud of my work record, but if I had life to live over again, I’d spend less time pleasing people and would spend more time with my dear children. “Doug, I’ve watched your young children playing in the yard today. Be sure to spend plenty of time with them while they are young. You’ll regret it if you don’t. Your church members are important, but not more  important than your dear children.” 
       
I remember Dr. Commander’s advice as if it was yesterday.  My children are grown now and have their own families. Two live in New York, and three live in Texas. I hardly ever see them and miss them so much…day in and day out …every day.  I cherish  the memories of them as they were  growing up…talking about what happened at school every day…fishing and swimming with them …helping them dress for church….laughing  with them around the table.  The memories are overwhelming.  Sometimes they make me laugh…sometimes they make me cry.
     
I’m an old feller now and would love to put my arms around all of them today.  Sitting with them again…hearing them laugh ….(and argue)…. would be a dream come true.  Maybe we’ll get together this year.

It would be a great entry to my list of good memories.