Being committed Presbyterians, we have been catechizing our kids since they were little. Catechizing means to instruct somebody in the basic principles of the Christian religion using questions and answers. We use the children's catechism when the kids are small, then transition to the Westminster Shorter Catechism when they are about five or six. I am amazed with how much their young minds can absorb and retain.
Teaching young children about valuable, sacred things is an essential part of being a faithful parent. In light of this, and knowing that Brian will struggle with such faithfulness toward his children (not as it pertains to Christianity, but in an important area still), on two recent occasions we have watched his young, impressionable children. I have felt it necessary, as Uncle Tony, to do my best to expose them to sacred things their father will surely neglect. They should not be faulted for being born in to a home that doesn't know what a World Series Championship looks like. Little Sadie, their three month old girl, can't be blamed for the lack of proper exposure to pinstripes, the house Ruth built, and the warm New York baseball crowd. But I say unto you- may it never be! I ask you- should I stand idly by and watch this horrid neglect? No I say! I could not live with myself. It is my calling to help these poor children lest they become uncultured and deficient in proper sports dedication and understanding like their father. It is my calling to step in and stop the pathetic Texas trend that has beset the Hough line for generations.
In this light and admittedly without parental permission, I slipped a baby Yankee cap on Sadie last Saturday night as an initiatory act of Yankee devotion (pictured above). Then again tonight, in an act of impassioned service to a family who just doesn't have the necessary wisdom to know better, I held Sadie in my arms for 3 innings of Yankee baseball against the White Sox! I could swear I heard her say "Matsui". I admit a sense of pride welling as I thought of the great good I was doing this young, previously neglected child. The smile that came over her infant face was more than gas, it was a look of peace that only comes when one hears the crack of a Yankee bat. I even tried to teach her to yell at the ump for a bad call New York style, talk about precious moments.
This is what community life is all about- one family making up for the (massive) deficiencies of another. I know Brian will thank me some day, but for now, let's keep this between us, OK?
10 comments:
I guess I better check her for steroid use.
You just can't trust anybody these days.
I think Jordan will be at our house on Friday...no time to comment...must go...plans...plans...
Tony, I now know why Divine Providence has placed you at Redeemer, not only to be the under-shepherd of the Great and Good Shepherd but also to be the Bob Sheppard to our yutes at Redeemer.
God’s eternal decrees have made it clear that the Yankees are God's Chosen Team. By Divine Providence, this franchise has won 26 World Series titles, 39 American League Pennants, 15 American League Eastern Division Titles, and 3 Wild Card Births since 1903. No other team in Major League Baseball can claim that.
By comparison, my second favorite team, the St. Louis Cardinals. 10 World Series titles, 17 National League Pennants, 3 National League Eastern Division Titles, 7 Central Division Titles, 1 Wild Card Birth.
As for my third favorite, team the Kansas City Royals. One World Series title, 2 American League Pennants, 6 Western Division Titles.
As for the Astros ZERO World Series titles, one National League Pennant, four Central Division Titles, two Western Division Titles, two Wild Card Titles.
To put it in even better perspective it would take the 10 Cardinals, 9 Athletics, and 7 Red Sox World Series Titles to equal the 26 New York Yankees Titles.
If you took the Dodgers 6, Reds 5, Pirates 5, Giants 5, Tigers 4 World Series titles they only equal 25.
If you took White Sox 3, Braves 3, Twins 3, Orioles 3, Marlins 2, Jays 2, Mets 2, Indians 2, Cubs 2, Angels 1, Diamondbacks 1, Royals 1, and Phillies 1 to equal the 26 New York Yankees World Series Titles.
I think about the sermon that came from your lips on Sunday about the Self-Sufficient pride that takes root described in Hosea 12:3-8. I cannot believe you would spread that kinda pride and vanity to poor Sadie. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. Not that I have ever done what you did to your 3 little amigos.....
Do I see Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys paraphenalia in Jordan's future? Perhaps even and Aggie t-shirt? One of us...One of us!
Rick, your wisdom stands clearly and boldly, especially against the backdrop of the replies from our deluded brothers!
Jon, Your attempts to Hawkeye and Dodger Blue my boys, while traumatic and abusive, failed. They are firm supporters of that which is good (Yankees) and opposed to that which is evil (Dodgers).
Scott, you could just write a big "L" on poor Jordy's forehead, it would amount to the same thing you suggest...
You know, I am trying to discern some kind of spiritual message from this oozing mess? Therefore, doing my part and preparing my heart for Pastor Tony’s last profound message in Hosea, I wanted to quote all you Spiritual misfits this didactic verse, “Whoever is wise, let him understand these things, (I don’t believe the Prophet is speaking about the Yanks!) Whoever is discerning let him know them. For the ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous will walk in them, but the transgressors will stumble in them.” What a profound thought to end on! Hosea 14:9
First of all, if nothing else, could you not have gotten a cuter picture of her? She's taken better ones. Maybe she was looking less cute than she can on purpose so that no one thinks she enjoyed wearing the hat. Secondly, Shari was holding her and in on this!?
Laura, I am sorry you had to find out this way...please believe me, it's for your daughter's best!
Also, I am terribly sorry you have to learn of the real Shari. Yes, she was completely IN on it! But she, like me, want only the best for your neglected daughter. Please trust us older, wiser, parents on this.
Finally, it was taken on my wireless phone, in a bit of a rush, as you guys were coming over soon when I realized my need to snap the shot. She's still extremely cute, even more so with the sacred cap on.
Merely seeking redemption for the Hough line,
Tony
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