A Piggybacking Papa

“Some people think God does not like to be troubled with our constant coming and asking. The way to trouble God is not to come at all.” – D.L. Moody

Deanna and I just returned from a 5-day trip to northern Kentucky with our four oldest grandchildren: Brady (9), Sadie (8), Levi (8), and Dylan (5). The trip was equal parts entertaining and exhausting, especially the final day when our return flight was delayed by two hours resulting in our getting home at 4:00 AM. However, it would not be exaggerating in the least to say that it was one of the most enjoyable and memorable trips we have even taken.

After an evening flight, a quick meal at Steak ’n Shake, and a late-night check-in at our hotel, we started our adventures on Tuesday morning with a visit to the Ark Encounter in Williamstown. The life-size replica of Noah’s ark was a sight to see, and the kids really enjoyed the petting zoo and the carousel. And yes, we also stopped at Skyline Chili for their famous “3-way”, a Cincinnati tradition.

On Wednesday, we shopped at a 200-year-old general store before hiking at the nearby Big Bone Lick State Park where a small herd of bison were on display. We also visited the Newport Aquarium and a Lego café and enjoyed some custom-made grilled cheese sandwiches at Tom & Chee. Thursday’s schedule included a tour of the Creation Museum in Petersburg and on Friday, we toured an alpaca farm, played lots of miniature golf, ate some ice cream at Dreamy Whip in Burlington, and took in two different playgrounds.

But do you know what Deanna and I liked the best about our epic trip? Being surrounded by our grandkids 24/7. Overall, they were very well behaved, and we never tired of hearing their questions, their requests, or their concerns. Nor did I mind for a minute having to piggyback Dylan up and down all three decks of the ark… or through much of the outdoor gardens at the Creation Museum.

Truth be told, I miss those four munchkins and look forward to our next family expedition. Maybe we will return to Kentucky next summer and tour Mammoth Cave and the other attractions in the southern part of the state. After all, grandkids grow up fast and in another 10 years or so, I might not be capable of piggybacking anyone.

I have to believe that our Heavenly Father longs for such quality and quantity time with His children. As Charles Spurgeon said, He never tires of our “constant coming and asking.” In fact, His greatest desire is to be surrounded by us in heaven 24/7 for all eternity.

“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God…” Romans 8:15-16a (NKJV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President