Inner Battle

 Next week, I will be in Vegas for my dad’s funeral; although that day will be difficult and emotional, I am comforted to know family and friends will surround me. The moment we heard about my father’s passing, my sons made plans to be there and take time away from work and school to be by my side. While we were there, we planned to see a show, or we could visit a bowling alley for a few games – our favorite pastime. What amuses me when my family bowls together is the names we input for each contestant on the screen. Mine? Vader. Yep, as in Darth Vader from the Star Wars saga. That Vader. I can’t remember when it started, but I told the boys we would rule the galaxy as father and son(s) when they were younger. Yes, we are a geeky, weird family.

This topic (Vader) would also initiate interesting conversations, mainly because Vader’s enemy wasn’t the rebels (per se). It was himself – especially in his former self as Anakin Skywalker. Even if you don’t know the story, we can all relate to fighting off foolish impulses that could cause harm to yourself or others – that is real enough. This inner battle, if lost, could disrupt the harmony or peace with others. Sunday in K-5, the kids will hear the story about David, who needed an intervention from a peacemaker (Abigail) to help defeat an enemy (not Nabal) – the battle of anger within himself (1 Samuel 25:1-35).