A Story

After an unusually restful nights sleep we awoke to find dad in the same position that he fell asleep in the night before. It seems that he has gone into a kind of comatose state, although he does respond to his name and move his limbs. This is certainly a step closer to the end, but also possibly a blessing of peaceful rest for him. Church and neighborhood friends stopped by with offerings of support and short visits with dad. What blessings the body of Christ is able to offer.

When we think of this blog, our desire is for it to honor dad and his heart. So, in honor of him I want to share a story with you that he has always loved.

I was a senior in high school and starting to think about which college to attend in the Fall. To help narrow the decision, my dad and I took a visit out to another high school that was hosting colleges from all over the area, for seniors to take a look at. As we were driving he asked me where I thought I would want to go. I replied with a couple of Bible colleges that I had looked at, then said "Anywhere but K-State." He nodded in agreement, but what I didn't realize at the time was that his mission then became to change my mind. He was an Ag guy and was of course a fan of any Ag school, especially one close to home.

We arrived and began browsing. After lots of looking, and feeling no more decisive then when I had arrived, we stopped walking directly in front of an auditorium. The doormen seemed to just be closing the doors, but looked up at my dad and I and asked, "The presentation is about to begin, would you folks like in?" With such a last minute offer I felt the pressure to comply before I even realized what school was being presented. I quickly asked what school it was, and they replied proudly with, "K-State!" Dad smiled unabashedly as they ushered us in. Dad led the way, walking past every open seat in every row, until we reached two perfectly placed seats, front row and center.

As the information was presented my heart began to soften towards this Ag school, out in the middle of what felt like "nowhere" to a Johnson County raised teenager. As I soaked up the information, above my head dad was launching his next ploy to win me over to K-State. He began making "eyes" at the presenter who was sitting on stage. Dad's eyebrows began to raise as his head motioned in my direction, non-verbal signals telling this guy to "hook me". The presentation ended and to my surprise the head presenter marched right off the stage, down the stairs and came right over to shake my hand. "Weird," I thought, but how nice that he wanted to meet me. He proceeded to answer any question I had and continued to sell me on the school. Not wanting to over commit myself I mentioned, "Well, I was really actually looking at attending a Bible College." The man didn't skip a beat as he launched into information about "A great little bible college right across the street from K-State. People can even get a dual degree from both schools!"

After the meeting dad and I walked out of the auditorium and I remarked, "K-State really does seem like a neat school." He nodded calmly in agreement, but if I would've looked up at him I know that I would've seen that knowing smile on his face.

Thus the vision was set in my heart, and I proceeded to attend K-State and Manhattan Christian College for the next 5 1/2 years, loving the schools more and more with each passing year. Dad knew just what he was doing when he helped point me in that direction. Thanks dad.