Why my Dad Would Sit on the Edge of His Bed

When I was younger, I would see my dad sitting on the edge of his bed after he awakened to a new day. He would often be staring forlorn into the floor, as if waiting for the impetus to pull himself up. That image stayed with me for years. I never asked my dad, who has now transitioned, why he sat on the edge of the bed after awakening. I did not have to, for only later in my own life did I begin to see its meaning – when I began to do it myself.

When we arise, we are faced with the challenges of the day. For many, those challenges seem unconquerable. It is a sudden realization for a lot of people upon awakening to a new day that they are not only behind on their bills, but on their dreams, too. Haven’t we all been there? Aren’t many of us there now? That is what unforseen and unparalleled events such as a pandemic can do.

Just recently, I observed my own twelve year old son in the same bedside posture: grandfather, father, son.

The mage of my son sitting on the side of the bed joltingly reminded me of this axiom: the older we get the less enthusiastic we become about life, especially when our dreams have begun to fade into oblivion. But it does not have to be this way.

In Christ, we can always dream and pursue God’s purpose for us. Jesus said, “I have come to bring you life, life more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

The motivational speaker in me said to my son: At twelve years of age, you are way ahead of your dreams AND your bills (joking with him that he won’t begin accruing bills until age 18). The key for you is to get so far ahead of your dreams that will never get behind on your bills or your potential!

I am sure many people go through this morning ritual. Just remember, this crisis of health, job stability and finances might have bruised you, but it will not break you. Some may call it a setback. God sees it as a comeback. Now is the time to stand up from your ‘bed’ and reach for God’s excellence. Now is the time to awaken from your slumber and sing a new song, a song of happiness because we trust God.

Now is the time to surge into the new.