When he picked up the phone and said “hello” I could hear Fox News in the background. I knew he was sitting in his recliner, feet up, evaluating the direction of the world based on what the commentators were saying. When he realized it was I, he would say “How you doing today, my son?” I would say “I’m fine” and ask what he was doing. He would always say “Taking it easy; you want to talk with your mama?” So I would tell Mom I loved her, make a comment or two about the kids, and then she would say how proud she was of our family and what we stood for. On occasion something specific would come up, but normally the conversation was the same — short and to the point.

Almost every day I talked to Mom and Dad. It became a ritual that, if missed, they would wonder if something was wrong. Though most of the conversations were brief, some days they were lengthy and especially meaningful. However, the critical element of communication was on a regular schedule. I miss those brief interludes to this day. Just hearing their voices provided a sense of comfort. Knowing the patriarch and matriarch were available with the dial of a phone if I needed them gave me assurance that all was well. Fortunately, my sister is still here and we continue our calls — perhaps not every day, but multiple times during the week. Those calls remind us that we are there for each other, ever loving, ever praying for each other’s welfare. No matter how long you have been married or how many children you have, there will always be a need for talk time with your “sissy” or “bubba.”

The loss of those routine conversations with Mom and Dad reminds me of the importance of talking with Theresa. It’s important for me to hear her voice and feel her love. Those feelings cause me to think about verses like 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 2; Timothy 1:3; and Romans 1:9. They remind me of the importance of a habitual pattern of communication and how crucial it is to a meaningful relationship. Not hearing my mom’s and dad’s voice every day makes me want to hear a voice from the God family every day as I face each new challenge or celebrate new victories. I genuinely NEED to hear His voice.

I have discovered that if I want to hear that voice I must remain in prayer habitually. For me that is a very difficult challenge. I marvel at people like Billy Graham who escaped for days, having his food shoved through the door to remain in a constant state of prayer. The reality is that it is like anything else — a matter of discipline and bringing my mind and body into submission to Deity. Having A.D.D. type tendencies, I must focus—a hard thing for me but not impossible. Pray a hedge of protection around yourself as you enter into this time of habitual communication so you will be protected from the mental barrage that is inevitable to anyone who loves God. Don’t feel alone. Just remain consistent. Be habitual.

Love, Dad