Pr. 4:1: “Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding.”
Today is my dad’s birthday. The most amazing thing about that is that about 14 years ago, doctor’s said he probably wouldn’t live 2 more years. Yeah, dad! That stubborn determination sure pays off sometimes, huh? 🙂
I am grateful today that, regardless of what medical science could prove, the Lord had different plans for my father.
I’m thinking of the instruction my father taught me over the years…of the things he wanted me to understand.
He let me dig up worms for our fishing trips when I was a kid. He wanted me to understand how to be industrious and fearless.
He made me wear a shirt when we were working in our garden when I was six, even though all the guys had theirs off. He wanted me to understand discretion.
He took time to play Weeble Wobbles with me when I was little. He wanted me to understand that I was important to him.
He taught me how to drive when it was time, and although I wanted to drive like Dale Earnhardt, he wanted me to understand that safety was pretty important.
He took us to my cousin’s houses, to family events, and on family vacations. He wanted me to understand how to enjoy life and family, and which investments would last longer than most.
He worked hard at church. He wanted me to understand that the Lord’s house was worthy of our time and our respect.
In sickness, my dad’s perspective on life shifted a bit. Little things that used to bother him or get him upset no longer seemed too big of a deal. He began to appreciate family and the little blessings in life in a way he never had before.
Over and over since then, he has reminded me that there’s no need to get upset about little things in life. He wants me to understand what’s really important and treat each day as a gift from God.
He texts me almost every morning, proclaiming that “this is the day the Lord has made,” or simply reminding me that it’s a blessing to have another day. He reminds me every time we speak that he is blessed. He wants me to understand that it’s not possessions, perfect health, status, or any other worldly ideal that makes us blessed. He wants me to understand that being a child of God is the true blessing. He wants me to understand that each day we’re alive is one more opportunity to invest in what truly matters.
So, thanks, dad, for the instructions. See? I have been paying attention after all. ha! And I love you. ❤
Blessed,
jamie
considering the word 