A friend at work stops by my office on a regular basis. We exchange ideas and opinions on a wide range of topics – football, politics religion, or current events. After our discussions, he leaves the office better informed – because POP KNOWS EVERYTHING. That’s one of the reasons why I started this blog. I get a good feeling knowing that I’ve helped someone work through their misconceptions. But I also felt that I had an obligation to reach beyond my small circle at work and home.
The first time that really good feeling came over me – and I knew I had the calling – was one Sunday afternoon while sitting on our front porch. Some of our most special moments have been with our three granddaughters, swinging in the big porch swing on the porch. Over time, you become transparent to them as they go about their activities on or near the porch. In the fall, they gather hickory nuts and acorns. Winter brings a big pile of leaves in which to jump. Spring and summer, watering and picking the flowers consume their time.
Then one particular Sunday afternoon, a heated debate arose, over a topic which I don’t recall. But they argued back and forth; until one of them decided it was time to resolve the issue. She demanded, “Ask Pop!”
The others screamed, “Why?”
To which she confidently asserted, “Because POP KNOWS EVERYTHING!”
With that proclamation, the thing – which I had forever known in my heart – had been proclaimed by another: Pop Knows Everything!!! There was no doubt this child had come from my blood line. She probably too possessed the gift. After that day, the girls sought my counsel on all issues which gave them any degree of uncertainty. And I provided guidance.
However; as they’ve grown older, I’ve begun to notice they occasionally challenge my response to their question. And I realize that one day soon when they ask, why something is the way it is? They’ll take my response, chew on the words, and then decide with the taste buds of their own minds whether the flavor is sweet, sour, salty or bitter. Then they will make a decision of their own choosing – based on their own reasoning and the character traits which they’ve decided to embrace.