YGT: Thank You, Dr. Watson

Tonight, I attended a retirement dinner for Dr. Donald Watson, who was retiring from his position as a professor at St. Augustine College in Raleigh, NC.  During the dinner, many people gave warm remarks about his life and legacy.  

Among the notable:

• His birthday is tomorrow, February 27 (He will be 69)
• He earned his PhD from the University of Pittsburgh
• When he is excited in church, he runs, dances, and shouts (if you've been around Dr. Watson for any length of time in a service, you know this is true)
• His favorite song is "Nobody Greater" by (six-time Stellar award winner) Vashawn Mitchell
• He has four brother, three sisters, and five children
• He played basketball in high school

The most moving part of the evening was when his children acknowledged the place he had in their lives.  They said he was consistent, faithful, quirky, loving, and giving.  One of their daughters, Rachel, danced to the song, "Your Joy" by Chrisette Michele (below).  

Dr. Watson and his amazing wife Sis. Cathy are wonderful examples of what it means to raise children in the admonition of the Lord.  Having someone like this as a model is important for me as a young father and husband.  I thank God for Dr. Watson and his family.  Their uniqueness and service to God reminds me of the Butlers (and Abraham from Genesis 18).  I pray his life continues to bring transformation to all those around him.

Lord, thank You for the power of an example.  You have given us servants to show us how to walk in Your ways with grace and humility.  We love You and need You more than ever.  Please continue to raise up fathers, mothers, and friends that are ambassadors for you.  Let us be counted in that number.  In Christ's name, Amen.

Watching,

j.a.g.

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Ephesians 6:4

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Genesis 18:19

For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him."