July 3, 2024
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Some years ago, Susan and I were at a couples retreat. We were discussing family systems and family of origin issues. The facilitator asked us to diagram our family members and relationships. So I drew all of my family – Mom, Dad, my two sisters, and my brother. And then he asked us to include anyone else who was significant – anyone who had influenced, supported and encouraged us – as we were growing up. And so, I added the Knapps. And I explained to the folks present why.
I’ve known Larry and the Knapp family my entire life. The Knapps lived three houses down from our house on Olympia Drive.
My Mom and Larry’s Mom were friends.
Larry and I met as toddlers and we grew up together.
Freddy taught me how to throw a football and hit a baseball. He was five years older than me and was like a big brother to me. We spent a lot of time playing games in the Knapp front yard and the park across the street.
Edith Knapp fed me countless meals and made sure we made it to the Fun Club at the Alabama Theater almost every Saturday morning. She treated me to swimming and summer day camps at Pine Forest Country Club. It was there that Freddy followed me up the ladder of the high dive and wouldn’t move until I jumped.
Frederick Knapp took us to Rice football games and to Playland Park. He gave me some of my first jobs at Knapp Chevrolet, first in the parts department and later, when I could drive, he trusted me with a pickup truck delivering parts all over Houston. He sold me my first new car – a 1966 Chevelle SS 396. My Mom and Dad had no idea how fast and powerful that car was!
And, then, there were the cousins. Steve Peery would come to town every summer, and all of a sudden, chaos would break out. And just as folks began to figure out who was causing it, he’d go back home to Weslaco – until the next summer.
Joe Peery took us to the race track out on South Main Street to watch some of the mechanics from Knapp Chevrolet race their stock cars.
Over the years, sometimes Larry and I would see each other a lot. Other times, years would go by without us even talking. But I always carried Larry, his wife Janie and the Knapp family in my heart.
Later in the conversation at the couples retreat, we discussed the differences between siblings who grow up in the same family. We talked about me and my brother Bruce, who is five years younger than I am. While I love him dearly, Bruce and I have always been quite different. Why?
As we studied my diagram, one of the participants said, “Well it’s simple Richard – you had the Knapps.”
When he said that, cherished memories poured into my consciousness. I had the Knapps.
I hear people say, “I had a terrible childhood. My father did this, or my mother didn’t do that.” I know there are many who had extremely tough childhoods. I am one of the fortunate ones who had loving parents who did do so much for me. But there were still things I needed that they didn’t or couldn’t do.
When we look at our lives, we can think beyond our parents to parental figures and other people who influenced, supported and encouraged us - who just loved us. I believe God places these people in our lives to fulfill His plans for us.
I thank God for Larry, Freddy, Edith and Frederick Knapp. I am blessed that they have played and continue to play a huge role in my life.
In addition to the Knapps, other families have been significant in my life. There have been a lot of people looking out for me.
I thank God for those who have cared for me and loved me throughout my life. I am blessed indeed. Thanks be to God!
REMEMBER & BELIEVE
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
In the meantime, the Lord provides others who walk with us through our lives!
QUESTION
Who has influenced and supported and encouraged and loved you?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the people you have placed in our lives. Thank you for the friends and extended family members who have supported, encouraged and guided us along our journey. May we always remember that, just as You have provided for us through others, we are called to be a source of support and encouragement to others.
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil and the evil one. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (NRSV)
God bless you!
Richard
Christ Worshipper | Disciple Maker | Hope Giver
Welcome to In the Meantime. I'm glad you're here! We are living in the time between Christ's ascension into heaven and His promised return to earth. In the Meantime is a collection of stories about God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and His presence, love, mercy and grace in my life. In the Meantime, Jesus is Lord! Hallelujah!
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