By Danny Minton

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…
When we received the call, “How would you like a baby boy?”

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…
When the caller asked excitedly, “Do you want another boy?”

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…
When I held my boys, rocking them to sleep at night.

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…
When I could hold both sons, one in each arm.

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…
When there were crying babies and bottles in the middle of the night.

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…
When there were goodnight hugs and kisses.

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…
When there were Star Wars and E.T. packages under the Christmas tree.

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…
When there were lightsabers, miniature cars, and crayons on the floor.

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…
When the house was filled with laughter as Mary Poppins graced the TV Screen.

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…
When I dried the tears caused by a scraped knee or overturned bicycle.

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…
When I watched my son take the field at his high school football games.

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…
When I stood cheering on the sideline at soccer games.

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…
When our youngest son got married and started a family of his own.

It Seems Like Only Yesterday…
When we sat in front of a doctor telling us that our oldest son had passed away.

Scottie Minton, left, plays with his younger brother, Chris.

Time flies fast, and as I reminisce, it seems to have raced by. Where did it go? Did I ever think I’d miss all the little things? As I look back, I can remember a time when I told myself, “I don’t want these boys to grow up.” But time was something I couldn’t stop. There are times now that exist only in my memory, times that if I could relive, I’d cherish much more.

It’s tough being a parent, but there are many more good times to remember than struggles. We just need to take the time to grasp them. We should cherish the todays and look forward to the tomorrows. Before we know it, one day, we’ll open our eyes, and all our todays and tomorrows will only be fond memories of our yesterdays.

“Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth.” Psalm 127:3-4 (NASB)

Danny Minton is a former Elder and minister at Southern Hills Church of Christ