By Greg Miller © 2020

Denise, her brother, Donnie, and their dad, Darren, sat down after the family dinner to discuss future career choices for the two teenagers.

“What are you considering for possible career options after you graduate from high school and college?” inquired Darren.

“I’m not sure yet,” said Donnie. “I’m very interested in animals, so becoming a veterinarian is one possibility. I also like to collect coins, so I might consider opening a store selling old coins, foreign banknotes, stamps and other collectibles.”

“What about you, Denise?” Darren asked.

“I’m currently considering two options, also, dad,” Denise responded. “I’m seriously thinking about getting married and having a family. If I decide to do that, I may not work outside the home.”

“What else are you thinking about?” Darren inquired.

“I’m thinking about the possibility of working as a teacher,” Denise said. “I think I could make a huge difference in the lives of school children, since there are so many challenges for kids growing up these days.

“Plus, you and mom have been such good examples to us, making sure to let us see Jesus in the way you live your lives in front of us and the rest of the world. I want to make the same kinds of impressions on other people, too.”

Like Denise, Donnie was impressed with the examples set by their parents. “I’ll always remember the way you and mom have lived your lives in front of us,” he said. “Many of the kids at school are always talking about how their parents say they love God but are constantly doing things that suggest that’s not really the truth.”

“Well, it’s not always easy,” Darren said. “But your mom and I figure it’s worth the extra effort to live up to the standard that the Lord expects us to live up to, so we’re trying our best to leave a legacy which you and your sister can be proud to build a foundation on yourselves. And we can always depend on the Holy Spirit to help us.”

“Your dad’s right,” said Debbie, the teens’ mom, who had just walked into the room. “We’ve built our family on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ, and we’ve discovered He is the only foundation that will truly stand the test of time.”

 “So what do you want to be when you grow up, dad?” Denise jokingly asked her dad.

With a knowing smile, Darren replied, “Well, Denise, I don’t know if I’ll ever grow up! I’m having too much fun living my second childhood!”

To contact the writer of this column about speaking engagements (in the U.S.A.), including Christian Comedy Fundraising Outreaches, Christian Creativity Seminars and/or puppet ministry, please type “Speaking Engagements” in the subject line and e-mail [email protected] or [email protected].

By Greg Miller  2018

 Greg is retired from the Elizabethton STAR Newspaper, after working there for almost 23 years. He now freelances for the paper. Contact email address is [email protected], also facebook.com/kidcool4jesus. Available for speaking engagements/other ministries. Jesus is Lord