The Children of My Children

As you have noticed, I have not been blogging for more than one week now. My sabbatical work has demanded all my attention and my time. I have been away from my office doing research for my sabbatical project. My research and my pastoral work has severely limited my time and my ability to blog regularly. This will continue until the end of September, when I return to my regular duties at the seminary.

After Jacob came to Egypt, and before he died, he called Joseph to bless him and his children. When Joseph appeared before his father, Jacob said to Joseph: “I had no hope of seeing your face again, but God in his mercy has let me see you and your children” (Genesis 48:11).

I believe that a great joy for a father is when he is able to live long enough to see the children of his children. God has blessed me and my wife Donna with three wonderful sons. My older son JR has three daughters and I have posted the picture of two of his daughters here.

My middle son Chris, is the father of a beautiful daughter, Brianna. She is the joy of our house because she is at the age when everything she does is cute. The picture in this post is a photo of Chris and Brianna.

My younger son James is still single. If things continue the way they are at the present, James may be my last hope for a grandson. I love my granddaughters, but if one of my sons does not give me a son, then my name and the name of my family will not be remembered by future generations.

James, I am counting on you.

Claude Mariottini
Professor of Old Testament
Northern Baptist Seminary

Tags: Children, Sons