Now That’s a First!

If you have ever spent much time in an airport, you know that just sitting and watching the people can be one of the best ways to pass the time.  The airport is full of all kinds of people, coming and going.  It’s the perfect spot to sit and watch the world waltz by.

As I sat in the airport this afternoon, I was drawn to a little boy.  His mom had parked his stroller just in front of me.  At about 6 months old, he sat there kicking his little tenis-shoed feet, experiencing the wonders of his own movement.  It made me nastalgic as I thought about the past pleasures of being a father.

My kids are pretty much grown.  My youngest will soon be getting his drivers permit.  The days of carrying my children in my arms or reading them bedtime stories are probably over.  They are too old for that sort of thing now, but when did they become so?  It happened without me knowing it.  There was a last time when I carried Sam in my arms.  A last bedtime story I told to Marshall.  There was a last time Jacque and I got out the coloring books and shared the wonders of a box of 64 Crayola crayons.  There was a last time for each of these.  Had I known it was the last time, would I have squeezed a little tighter?  Would it have made the story a little sweeter?  Would I turn the page and color one more picture? 

If I’m not careful, I can start to get sad about all the last times.  It’s one thing I don’t like about getting older.  It seems there are fewer first times, and an increasing number of last times.  One day will be the last time I see a snow fall.  The last Christmas for some loved ones. The last birthday card I send.  The last hug.  I need to cherish each moment like it is the last but also remember there are still some  good firsts ahead.  The fist grandchild. The first day of vacation.  The first few words of a new friend. 

There will always be firsts and lasts.  I need to take them as they come, remembering that God has a plan for my life.  He is in control of my firsts and lasts and some of the best ones are still ahead.  Someday, I’ll be able to talk with Him about it.  One day will be the last time I get sick.  The last time I go to sleep, and the first time I wake up in a wondrous place.  The first time the dark glass falls away.  And the best first of all:  The first time I see Him, face to face.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
    – Ecclesiastes 3:1

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
   – 1 Corinthians 13:12