Hello Friends and Family!
This article is dedicated to several, but for all to read if they like.
I was over at Herb Thiel’s site, ( I address my father as an entity online) and saw that he wrote a little about our family history. Link
I recommend it. You are not wasting your time in some sort of affiliate garbage.
A summary is that my grandfather married a young lady with child, adopting my father.
I always suspected this as my father looked nothing like his siblings.
Throughout my childhood, we took in families that were isolated for various reasons.
When I was a child, My mother would watch children mostly for free while their parents went to work. (Typically, single moms cannot afford child care.) Their sack lunches would contain luxuries I only dreamed of like Capri Suns, Fruit Roll Ups, and individual bags of Doritos. Sometimes, the children would be dropped off with Happy Meals.
I hated those kids. They took my mother’s attention from me and were provided with nice things. Later, one of the them broke my heart.
During the same time period, my dad was a Boy Scout Leader and the goofy Sunday School teacher the children made fun of. They learned this from their parents.
As I matured and had children of my own, I was enlightened to some extent. I realized that every day growing up, I had the security of knowing that my family was stable and a home cooked meal would be provided. There was a foundation in the Ways of God that provided the Bread of Life.
I did not have to leave my parent’s house and go to a broken home. I was home.
For brevity, I am skimming a lot of details.
The influence my parents had on me promoted a few positive behaviors.
I am a family man with a stable job, and I grow some of my own groceries, teaching others how to do so as well.
These eggs are fresh from the urban farm and we have frequent home cooked meals.
In addition, I teach physical education to youth and life lessons to the incarcerated.
I bring this up to demonstrate that my parent’s lifestyle choices promoted community leadership and those values have been passed to me even though it was not interpreted that way as a youth.
I look back and see from Herb Thiel’s article Link that this started long ago like a butterfly effect with my grandfather and perhaps those before him. It is up to me to carry the torch.
Those who mocked my father for his kind heart and silliness are absent from church and their children followed. Many of them have ruined their lives, failing to see the depth of the man they mocked and learning hard lessons better ingrained in a classroom setting.
In this, I am reminded of a scripture.
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:8 KJV
The spirit I am hoping to write in is one of adoption. I recognize from my grandfather and father the importance of family and the stability it provides. I look to continue in this endeavor and adhere to these principles as well.
If I have ever told you,
“you are adopted with all the rights and priveledges contained therein,”
I mean it.
And yes, that means you if you were not sure.
Author: Benjamin
Benjamin Thiel is a community leader, urban farmer, and author of The Ongoing Tale at Brothers Campfire. He might know a guy...
Wow. I loved this.
I am glad you liked it little sister. The distinction comes with all rights and priveledges included.
🙂
It’s important to realize the blessings that we’ve had in our lives. This was very thoughtful and touching. Thanks.
Thank you! I appreciate your insight.
Lovely!! 🌷
I am glad you enjoyed it!
Amen, brother, awesome! God bless!
Thank you! God Bless you as well!
This is such a beautiful inspiring post… I felt your childhood and ever growing family values. Those who’ve been thru what you have, are contemporary treasure , in times that are changing so hard! Thankyou for the share.
Wow, what thoughtful words! Thank you friend! I have never been called a treasure before!
Ah. “Treasure in earthen jars…”
When someone told me that long ago, I didn’t believe it. It took years to feel His sacred touch. To know I was less of me and more of Him.
We would get adopted
Grafted in as it were!
Wow. Thanks. I love you too. I was moved and appreciate your kind words. It is the responsibility of eanch new generation to try to raise their children better than the last. I tried to raise you guys better than I was, which was good in many ways, and now it’s your turn to do a better job raising your kids than I did. And so, even though you’re only 16 years into the adventure, I think that you are succeeding and doing a great job with yours.
Thank you.
I have yet to say that I love your blog, I am enjoying your Campfire story (though I have no login and keep having to find my way back to the last chapter I read – I am bad with bookmarks).
I have read only bits and pieces. I consider your presence in my reader list very valuable, and I wish I had more time to read everything from the people I’ve met online.
It’s an honour to have made electronic contact with somebody with your spirit and outlook. Carry on, sir!
Wow Mike, Thank you!
Back at ya
A most beautiful and inspiring story. Thank you for that. What a wonderful thing to be adopted into some earthly as well as God’s family.
Thank You Gifted 50! I appreciate you and agree whole heartedly!
Such a great read. You are so blended to have a beautiful family and contented life. You have had been brought up by well disciplined parents. Thanks for sharing, Ben. I loved this.
Thank you for taking the time to read it friend! I appreciate you!
My pleasure.
You’re so blessed* TYPOS
Thank you. God has been good to me Tanya!
You’re so blessed” TYPOS
Loved reading this
Thank you Ishaan!
You are welcome
lovely one!
Thank you, Pooja! It was an honor to have you visit today!
thanks you 🙂
This warmed my heart, Ben, such a beautiful post. I agree completely that family is a gift and it’s values are of great importance.
Cheers 🙂
Thank you for stopping by! Your kindness and gentleness eliminates from your words!
Would you like to suggest a village name for one of my maps that reflects you?
Its always a pleasure, Ben!
(Aahh! I remember reading your post about that, I wanted to suggest one then only but it slipped out of mind. Sorry!)
Knightfall/ Moonhollow/Greenhill- these are few of my suggestions, you can use anyone if you like it and it fits your plot.
Yay! Thank you friend! I appreciate your continued investment in me. You are a beautiful person! Thank you for the idea of recording my duckys when they arrive as well!
Don’t mention it! I am glad that I could help, but it is always a pleasure. 🙂
(I am excited for the ducks!)
I am excited for the ducks as well!
Hello Friend! Would you be so kind as to google Brothers Campfire and tell me what page I am on?
Hi Ben, I googled Brothers Campfire directly and it was the first link on the first page for my search results.
Nice! I appreciate you for doing this for me. That was quite thoughtful!
Glad I could help out 😊 Anytime
😁😁😁😄😄😄😁😁😁