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A letter

The arrangement of the books in the New Testament is interesting. Not chronological, not compiled by doctrine, nor following any other logical sequential order. Except that it goes from longest to shortest. Which is OK, but I've always wondered what made the cut and what didn't. Why do we have some letters but not others? Who made the decision about what made it into the Bible and what didn't? Surely there were more letters that were not included...

Timothy is the only one who gets letters written directly to him. He was the Bishop of Ephesus and apparently a relatively young man. But he had found favor with the Lord, and Paul refers to him as his son...

The letters written to Timothy are at once intensely personal and also very doctrinally illuminating. This is particularly true when it comes to the warnings directed specifically to Timothy that relate to difficulties he was facing or would face shortly.

As I read these words, I was reminded of letters my father has written to me and advice I've received directly from him. Now we don't send letters the way they used to - we can just pick up a phone and call. This is a much more direct and immediate method of communicating, and it is just as meaningful to me as if he were with me and speaking wisdom to my heart.

My father is a very wise man. I am grateful to be his son. I am grateful beyond my ability to express for the relationship we are able to continue to develop and enjoy. As I go through some of the darkest times of my life, I am thankful for the assistance and love he gives me, the advice and optimism, and the gentle guidance. We have always been able to talk - there was none of the estrangement that many young men feel from their fathers - and this ability has only been enhanced recently.

I know he's not perfect. But his imperfections do not put me off - they make him real and reasonable and rational. They make him human.

So I love you, pop. I am proud to be your son. I am grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who allowed us to be associated. Thank you for always being there for me.

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