Insight for Living Canada

The Bible-teaching ministry of Charles R. Swindoll

Non-profit organization, religious organization

Our passion is to see lives changed and faith renewed through accurate, clear, and practical teaching of God’s Word. We want to expand our reach and provide even more Canadians with the tools they need not only to read God’s Word but also absorb and apply it to their lives.

Amenities: Restroom

Recycling: Clothing

As I stroked the hair from his forehead and kissed him goodbye, a hundred boyhood memories played around in my head.
When I learned to ride a bike, he was there
-When I wrestled with the multiplication table, his quick wit erased the hassle
-When I discovered the adventure of driving a car, he was near, encouraging me
-When I got my first job (delivering newspapers), he informed me how to increase my subscriptions and win the prize. It worked!
-When I mentioned a young woman I had fallen in love with, he pulled me aside and talked straight about being responsible for her welfare and happiness
-When I did a hitch in the Marine Corps, the discipline I had learned from him made the transition easier
From him I learned to seine for shrimp. How to gig flounder and catch trout and red fish. How to open oyster shells and fix crab gumbo.and chili.and popcorn.and make rafts out of old inner tubes and gunny sacks. I was continually amazed at his ability to do things like tie fragile mantles on the old Coleman lantern, keep a fire going in the rain, play the harmonica with his hands behind his back, and keep three strong-willed kids from tearing the house down.
That night I realized I had him to thank for my deep love for America. And for knowing how to tenderly care for my wife. And for laughing at impossibilities. And for some of the habits I have picked up, like approaching people with a positive spirit rather than a negative one, staying with a task until it is finished, taking good care of my personal belongings, keeping my shoes shined, speaking up rather than mumbling, respecting authority, and standing alone (if necessary) in support of my personal convictions rather than giving in to more popular opinions. For these things I am deeply indebted to the man who raised me.
Certain smells and sounds now instantly remind me of my dad. Oyster stew. The ocean breeze. Smoke from an expensive cigar. The nostalgic whine of a harmonica. A camping lantern and white gas. Car polish. Fun songs from the 30s and 40s. Freshly mowed grass. A shrill whistle from a father to his kids around supper time. And Old Spice aftershave.
Because a father impacts his family so permanently, I think I understand better than ever what the Scripture means when Paul wrote:
Joy Is a Choice
I have told you these things
so that you will be filled with my joy.
Yes, your joy will overflow!
(John 15:11)
He leaves in his legacy a well-marked Bible I treasure, a series of feelings that I need to deepen my roots, and a thousand memories that comfort me as I replace denial with acceptance and praise.