One Turned Back: Rick

Rick lavishes loves his children. I wasn’t born into his family, but because of Chad I am lavishly loved as well. I have eaten more prime rib, butter laden mashed-potatoes, and shrimp scampi at his table than anywhere else. I hold him responsible for a few of my extra pounds.

He has taken the entire Carlson Crew on vacations more opulent than I could have ever imagined as a young Kentucky girl. He has given us vacations on the beach, had cappuccino at the Grand Hotel, and so much more. There isn’t a room in our home that isn’t graced with a gift from him and Lani. His generosity can be difficult to accept. I know that it is nothing we can ever do to reciprocate this unselfish bounty. Chad and I have done nothing to deserve it, we are just given it because we are his family. In this earthly way, Rick has reminded me of my heavenly father. God has given us a lavish gift in his son Jesus Christ. There is nothing we could do to repay or reciprocate; there is nothing we can do to deserve it. We are given it as a free gift.

I love Rick because he has shaped my favorite human’s personality. If you watch Chad and his dad, you realize that their mannerisms, patterns of speech, and sense of humor are almost identical. For many years, Chad dressed just like his dad wearing business slacks and button-down shirts. (I think the only reason, he abandoned this attire was how soggy it would get from grooming dogs.) They both love their families and like to treat those they love. When you still admire a father you work with, and have to submit to in your forties, you know that you have an admirable father.

Today as I look back over the last eighteen years, I want to say thank you. Thank you for including me in your lavish love. Thank you for being an earthly model of God’s generous love for his children.