144 Tonku
Brenden took his 3-year old son Jake to the beach for the first time. Jake had only known the big city up until this point. The most of nature Jake had ever seen before was at a local park.
Jake was amazed when he stepped onto the beach. It was unlike anything he's ever seen. He wondered at long stretch of sand before him. The sky seemed so much more blue and prettier here than in the city. Jake frolicked along the shore line, daring to get close the waves when they receded, but scampering away when the came rushing back.
Throughout the entire trip, Jake kept his beaming eyes upon his father. "Tonku Dad, for taking me!" he said, which was his way of trying to say "thank you." Jake kept thanking Brenden. "Tonku for sippy cup!" "Tonku for good hot dog!" "Tonku for giving me big pretty shell!" And so on, Jake kep thanking Brenden for every little thing.
Brenden looked lovingly down upon his son and then averted Jake's gaze as Brenden's eyes got moist. Brenden started shedding tears that he knew Jake would not yet understand why. Brenden saw himself in his son, looking up to God and doing his best to articulate his thankfulness. Brenden was a little ashamed that he didn't thank God enough, as Jake was thanking him, for every little thing God has done for him.
Jake tried chasing after a seagull as Brenden walked after him, wondering to himself why didn't he take his son here sooner.
Tonku, Father. Brenden thought humbly. Tonku for my son Jake and all that You have given me.
Recommended reading:
- 1 Chronicles 16:34, 1 Thessalonian 5:18
