John Buchanan: FOUR TRUTHS my Dad on Earth Taught me about God, the Father

 

Boyle County Staff, 1973
Ron Spivey, my Dad, Ed Rall, Morris Allen Stewart

He claims me, and I  belong to Him, no matter what.  I was not much of an athlete. I said and did some stupid stuff... not just when I was little but even as an adult. My 15th birthday was spent cleaning up the locker room in the gym because of a poor choice...it was a Saturday. Once in HS, I screwed up so bad, I was grounded, indefinitely. My first varsity basketball game, he sat there and watched as I fouled out in less than a quarter. Took a sack so bad one Friday night, we had "4th & Richmond." Almost an hour before game time on a Saturday at Centre College, my Mom & Dad would be sitting in the bleachers to watch me, the scout team QB, run 2 pass plays and 2 run plays versus the first team defense. My first game at Mercer was the last game he saw me coach. Beyond ugly. So bad, it was tough for him. He just told me, "You'll be fine, but you got your work cut out for you."

But, I never once doubted that my Dad claimed me as HIS.  Nothing could change the fact that I was John Buchanan's son. There was nothing I could do to lose His love for me. When we have a relationship with Jesus Christ, we belong to God for eternity. 

There will still be TOUGH days, but He will walk with me during those times and help me get through them. The most memorable example of this was when my Mom's mental illness was so bad that she went to Our Lady of Peace in Louisville for the entire spring of 1977. I was shook, bad. I was embarrassed. I did not want anyone to know about it. That was a tough secret to keep. Now, I openly share about that time because I want others to understand, mental illness is a real issue and there is nothing to be ashamed of.  I remember walking over to the HS everyday from Mercer Elementary for track practice so I could be with my Dad.  When we would finally get home, the house was quiet and much different. The fear and uncertainty during that time was overwhelming for me, 11 years old. But, my wonderful Dad was with me every step of the way. I did not go through that awful time by myself. And, despite the unknown and the circumstances, I trusted my Dad that he would take care of me. Our Heavenly Father will walk with us through the toughest times. He will not abandon us. 

Whether I understand or not, I am better off to trust what He tells me and do what He says.  Walking to the UK-Tennessee game on a rainy day, November of 1973, I tell my Dad that I am going to pick a job that I can make alot of money. He tells me to pick a job that I love.  Once during a particularly tough stretch, my Dad told me, "David, you need a wife that will help you in life, not make it tougher." Considering my Mom's struggles, that was an intriguing comment. But, a few days later, I saw Stephanie for the first time. The Saturday morning after we beat Lafayette, 2002, he tells me that if I don't get my head out of my "tail", Stephanie is going to be done with me and I will lose everything. Ironically, Trosper was born 9 months after that conversation.   God's Word has more wisdom than John Buchanan. The more we read, listen, and put into practice what He tells us, the better off we will be. 

Remember what HE has done for you.  God repeatedly tells His people to remember what He has done for them, throughout the Old Testament. As I look back on my life, I remember what my earthly Father and my Heavenly Father have done for me. Without question, my Heavenly Father used John Buchanan to protect me, help me, mold me and ultimately draw me closer to Him. Sometimes, it is difficult to figure out / remember ..."Did my Dad do this, or was it my Heavenly Father?"  Often, the answer is "BOTH."

The last week of May, we were blessed to take all of our kids and grandkids to the beach. Trosper built our playlist for the beach. Some of it, was even the old music that I love.  He had one song that is on NONE of my playlists.

For most people, Hotel California - Eagles brings back memories of warm weather, the beach, summer on the horizon, good memories from the past, etc. 

Not for me. I remember that awful spring of 1977. For a long time, when I would hear that song, it felt like a knife in my chest. When I hear that song, now, I immediately thank God for my Dad and how he took care of me through that time. I thank God that I have had a a great life and have been blessed more than I could ever hope or deserve.  I thank God for the eternal life I have because of Jesus Christ and that in a matter of moments, I will see my Dad again. I would like to be a head football coach until I am 80. I am in no hurry to leave this life.  

But, I know without a doubt, THE VICTORY is won.  

John Buchanan's son...scars & all