Daddy's Shoes

I've had a couple of really hectic weeks.  Last night, I had a  bizarre dream - one of those jumbled messes that are difficult to describe in words.  I remember at one point calling 911 and having no one answer!  I said to myself, "Why is this ringing for so long?  This is 911 for goodness sake!  You're supposed to help people like me!"  In the midst of this turmoil, I saw my dad walking toward me.  I was thrilled to see him because he's been gone for 4 years.  Everything around him was calm, like the eye of a hurricane.  He looked at my feet.  I was wearing my knock-around sandals.  He handed me his shoes and told me they would help.  I said, "Thank you, Daddy, but I'm afraid they are too big for me."  He just smiled and said, "Put them on.  I think you will find they fit perfectly."  I put them on and when I looked up, he was gone and the dream was over.

When I was finally conscious enough to process the dream, I realized that the turmoil was a reflection of my feelings for some time now.  Calling 911 and getting no help was indicative of the way I've been feeling - like the Lone Ranger with no cavalry in sight.  When my dad gave me his shoes, my first thought was that they would be too big.  It was an hour or so before it dawned on me that what I was saying is that I cannot fill his shoes.  He was larger than life and left big shoes to fill.  But apparently he had confidence in me that I could. (In the dream, at least, the shoes did fit.)

What does it mean to fill my dad's shoes?  I think that's the question every generation must ask at one time or another.  How can I give to my children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren (and siblings) what my dad has given to me?  And how can I prepare my children to do the same for their progeny when the time comes.

This is not an easy question with a short and easy answer.  It is going to take some quiet time, prayer, and pondering.  I would love to hear your ideas about what it means to fill Dad's shoes.