You may know that I have seven kids. My oldest is a senior, and my youngest is about a year and a half right now. And I am continually amazed at the closeness that exists between my kids, almost all of the time.

A few weeks ago, my seven year old son made a statement that hasn’t left my mind ever since. Speaking to his oldest sister, who is beginning her senior year, he said, “Are you sure you want to go to college next year, instead of staying here and living with us?”

My daughter is a year away from college, but he is already beginning to panic. He knows that this is a crucial event, and that it will shake up his whole world. He is really bothered by this.

This week, our church attended a Springfield Cardinals game, and several of my kids signed up to go. As it turned out, I had an eye appointment that same day. With my latest episode of cancer being so near my eye, it seemed prudent to have it checked, just to make sure nothing was spreading that direction. (And it is all clear. That was a huge relief.)

Two of my kids stayed home, to ride with the church group later in the day, but my seven year old and my oldest daughter came with me. That was a perfect opportunity!

My son already has a solid bond with his sister, but that day just made that even more secure. We didn’t do a lot. After my eye appointment, we browsed around in Bass Pro Shop. But he spent several hours with his sister, and made memories that he will never forget.

For me, as a dad, that was a major win. I didn’t intend for that to happen. It just did. Sometimes it seems like my best moments as a dad are almost accidental like that.

Regardless, it was an excellent day. And to top it off, my boys and I were selected as the “Father and Sons of the Game.” That made it an even greater day.

My kids may not understand just how good it was right now. After all, it was just a ball game, and a trip to Bass Pro. But I finished the day with a very full and happy heart.

And I am very thankful that we experienced it all. It was a lesson for me in the area of gratefulness.

Question: What are you grateful for right now? You can leave a comment by clicking here.