Thanks Dad!

Me and my dad, Jim Parkinson.

Last Sunday, thirteen years of prayer, education, and evaluation culminated in my ordination as an elder in the United Methodist Church.  Of all the delightful moments of that service, none was more thrilling for me than to be sponsored by my dad.

When I was seventeen years old, my dad lost his job.  After lots of prayerful discernment, he saw the lull in employment as God’s way of opening the possibility for him to enter full-time ministry.  In an incredible act of faith, my mom and dad decided to change course.  My father went to seminary, my parents took a SERIOUS pay cut, and in so doing they showed me the kind of commitment and dedication it takes to follow God’s call.

Four years ago, I stood and watched my father's ordination.  Four years later, my dad stood before the clergy session and made the motion for my ordination.  He, along with my family, laid hands on me as the bishop ordained me.  It was a moving moment – one that I will cherish always.

Adding to the power of the moment was the Bible I held in my hand during the ordination service.  It was my grandfather’s, who was a preacher and teacher in the Baptist Church.  In one moment, three generations of Parkinson's were connected in this holy moment we call ordination.

As father’s day approaches, I can’t help but share how grateful I am for my dad.  He’s not perfect.  He’d be the first to admit that.  But he’s a great father, and my ordination would not be possible without his love and care.  In a world with so many broken families, I’m blessed to have two great parents.  Happy father’s day dad!