Papa San

Friday, May 27, 2022

It was a gray day; the sun struggling to make an appearance while fighting back the threats of rain. Nevertheless, our little group of 7 were determined to celebrate and have fun no matter the outcome. You see, we were celebrating papa san’s 92^nd birthday!

To do so, we chose to do something special. Papa has always enjoyed golfing. Golf was his occasional get-a-way, his way of relaxing, getting some fresh air and exercise. He looked forward to and enjoyed the annual golf tournament for the tax service, but more so when his daughters were old enough to play, especially after moving to Moses Lake with its golf courses so close, in the city and surrounding towns. Not being around much by that time (I was living in Austria when my folks moved to Moses Lake) I never got into the sport. There was one time when papa took me to the golfing range to practice. Such a poor job I did, there was absolutely no motivation to try my luck on the actual course.

In these later years, papa has not made it out to the golf course, especially after they built apartment houses on his favorite golf course just up the street from where he lives. Then too, walking and getting around just isn’t as easy as it used to be. My brother Doug bought him a very mini shooting range for putting in his library not too long ago, which he enjoys greatly. Still, it’s not the same.

Renee’, one of my younger sisters and the only one who still lives in Moses Lake, was planning papa san’s birthday party. Not many people make it to a “ripe old age” of 92! Thus, this birthday needed to be even more special. What better way than to celebrate on the golf course! She thought, since dad was putting again, let’s put on the mini course in front of the restaurant. Five holes was enough to get those golfing juices going again, and though he had to sit during turns the last few holes, he still did better than most of us! I think there was a three-way tie for 1^st place. I was not one of the three!! Nor was I the last, I might add! Treasured moments.

Papa san is my name for my dad for as long as I can remember. Wavie is the nickname he gave me as a young child and still calls me from time to time. Many years ago, I asked him where he came up with Wavie. He explained that was what I called myself before I could say Mari. Fun. It gives me joy when he uses my nickname. It indicates closeness, intimacy, being special.

There is another Father who wants that closeness and intimacy with us. Romans 8:15-16 says, “You have received the Spirit of adoption as sons (and daughters), by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”

Abba. Many say it means papa, daddy. It is a term for intimacy and endearment, but Abba means so much more. With that intimacy comes respect and honor. God wants that intimate relationship with us, but it comes with obedience to Him. As a result, not everyone receives the Spirit of adoption as sons. John 1:12 states, “But as many as received Him (Jesus), to them He (Jesus) gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His (Jesus’) name.”

One of the definitions for receive means: to accept as authoritative, true, or accurate: BELIEVE [Merriam-Webster]. So, to receive Jesus, simply put, is to put your absolute trust in Him and be obedient to Him. Recognize Him as being who He says He is: Creator of the Universe; the Almighty God; God who became man and lived among us; Holy, sinless Lamb of God; the One who paid the penalty we deserved, for our sins, by dying on the cross, willingly, for us; the risen and living LORD; the One in control of all things; the One who will come back again! Through obedience we become children of God.

If you are a true child of God, He wants you to have an intimate, close relationship with Him. Furthermore, He gives you, through the continual working of the Holy Spirit, the power to be obedient to Him.

Are you a true child of God? If not, you can be today.

Blessings, Mari