Random Walk

I was told yesterday about a plan to honor a special person by naming something after them. The thought was indeed honorable, but the execution, well, it leaves something to be desired, and borders on the bizarre. Not quite like naming a battleship after Jane Fonda, but not all that far off, and will probably lead to a lot of puzzled glances.

But as often happens, this became an unexpected Teachable Moment™, as we were able to talk about the concept of storing treasures in heaven. The Random Daughter's soccer team won a weekend tournament, and she received a suitably gaudy cup for her efforts. She's run out of room on her designated trophy shelf, and negotiations are underway for which of these exalted memories she is willing to dispose.

On Sunday night, we watched a video of a talk Dr. James Dobson gave to a group of high school seniors, sharing his thoughts on setting a course for their lives, and he touched on this very subject, describing how he had yearned and worked to have his name inscribed on the cup commemorating the winner of his college's tennis tournament. Years later, a friend found the cup in the trash, as the custodians made way for new awards and baubles.

I know I have a few of those "treasures to trash" episodes in my past, and I've been surprised at not only how internally painful it can be to re-realize how trivial those accomplishments were, but also to see their impact on the two most important memorials I have. Dr. Dobson closed out his talk with a very personal message to his own son, the only lasting advice I hope to leave with my own children. Whatever you decide to do with your life, no matter what you achieve or pursue, make sure you're destined for heaven at the end. "Be there," he repeated.

We'll have eternity to discuss naming your dog after me.