“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” Helen Keller 

Since I was visiting from out of town, my dad said, “Let’s go out to eat, my treat.” We jumped in the minivan, dodged the rain, and ducked into the hamburger shop.  

The smells of fried chicken, grilled hamburgers, and french fries welcomed us as we patiently waited in line behind the giggling children and tired parents. 

After we ordered, my dad reached for his leather wallet when I noticed his shaking hands trying to pull out his debit card, but it stuck. He fumbled and finally gave it to me to handle.  

We filled our Styrofoam cups with iced tea and lemonade, but my dad couldn’t secure the plastic lid. Embarrassed he lowered his head and whispered, “I’m falling apart. Could you please help me?” 

My heart melted. Mom had only been gone a little while, yet dad seemed older. Lost. Uncertain. 

Where did the time go? When I look in the mirror, my face shows wrinkles and gray hair peeking out. It seems like yesterday I was a little girl sitting at the dining room table with parents and siblings. Now I have a family of my own. 

I paused and thanked the Lord for this time with my dad. 

“Honor your father and your mother. This is the first commandment with a promise that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Ephesians 6:2-3 

Life goes quickly. Are we cherishing the time we have with our loved ones? What are ways you capture those special moments?