Jimbo's Jots

I think about my dad every day! There is something that will happen in my day that creates that longing to tell dad. He was Clarence Robert Calkin, born August 28, 1928. He passed away on July 13, 2009.

Every once in a while, my wife, Lori, will say, “You look like your dad!” or “That’s something your dad would do or say!” And I smile!

Several years ago, I tried to make his recipe for peanut brittle, which he always made in the winter . . . and looking outside at the snow on the ground in mid-November, it might be time to try a batch. My sisters say that it tastes just like Dad’s brittle. And I smile.

Amy Grant wrote a song years ago, My Father’s Eyes. Part of the chorus has these words:

Eyes that find the good in things
When good is not around
Eyes that find the source of help
When help just can’t be found
Eyes full of compassion, seeing every pain
Knowin’ what you’re going through, and feeling it the same
Just like my Father’s eyes

As much as I love my dad, having mannerisms similar to him, and even being able to create his peanut brittle recipe, I would much rather be known as having the eyes (heart, mind and care) of my heavenly Father. I pray that as I continue to walk this earth and bump in to people, it can be said of me, “You have your Father’s eyes . . . the Heavenly Father.” And I pray that the same can be said of you!

Be blessed and be a blessing!