How has your father influenced you?

For the ones of us that have seen our earthly fathers go and be with the Lord we probably understand the magnitude that each one touched our life. I can remember my dad inspiring me with words of wisdom when I played sports, when I tried doing something new and when I was down and out. I remember the times that he came to my rescue when I was in need and would help if he could or he would give me advice on how to handle the situation.

My dad was a Christian man. He loved his wife and children and taught us respect, dignity, to love one another, and to stay away from the negative aspects of the world. Even though he was strict and a disciplinarian, he never punished us when he was angry and always talked with us when we were on the receiving end of his switch. I learned from him that even though these were tough times on me he said it hurt him more to punish me that it did me. At that time, I could not believe it but when I did the same to my children, I thoroughly understood what he was talking about.

Proverbs 22:6 tells us, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it.” My dad did this and it is my hope that my children will say the same about me. My dad provided for my family and we were never hungry because he worked hard to make ends meet. He raised six children that have been productive in this ever-changing world and all his children provided him grandchildren that are doing the same. He showed all his children love by loving our mom and he taught us to love each other. Even though my parents are gone I cherish the times that I get to spend with my siblings and talk about the days gone by.

My oldest daughter paid me the greatest compliment I could ever receive one day when she and I were discussing the time when the Lord calls me home. I had told her that earthly possessions I have are few and inheritances will be small for our four children to which she replied, “Dad you have given all of your children everything they will ever need because you have given us Christian love and taught us to love others.” These words brought tears to my eyes and will be words that I will never forget.

In the book of Deuteronomy in chapter 6 verse 5 we are given the greatest commandment in Scripture which says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” In verse 2 of that same chapter we read, “…so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all His decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life.”

This Father’s Day call your earthly dad, should he still be with you, and tell him Thank You for being the example you learned from. I was blessed to have a good dad and I watched him and learned from him, but not every child has that good home experience. For these children we need to reach out to them and nurture them in a Godly direction so that they may overcome the disappointments of the world.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the earthly father that you allowed me to have. I pray that I can be the father to my children that you want me to be and train my children in a way that they will not depart from you. Amen.

(Suggested daily Bible readings: Sunday – Romans 1:16-17; Monday –Proverbs 22:1-9; Tuesday – Ephesians 6:1-4; Wednesday – Psalm 119:9-16; Thursday – John 15:9-13; Friday – Deuteronomy 6:1-15; Saturday – Acts 16:31.) HA391-16