Reflections On My Dad
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles
On Monday, April 11, my dad (see also) passed from this life to the next realm of existence (Ecclesiastes 12:7; Luke 23:43). In reflecting on the life that he lived while on this earthly sphere for eighty-nine years, I can say that my dad had a kind heart — one who truly cared for the well-being of others (Philippians 2:3-4).
My father was like the caring Samaritan, befriending many a weary traveler in life who needed a friend (Luke 10:30-37). He would provide them a bed to sleep in, food to eat, and good conversation. Since fiddle playing was his hobby and passion, he would play an old fiddle tune to help brighten their troubled spirit. If needed, he would give them spiritual encouragement to do better in the future, than they had in the past. If they were running low on money, he would provide them with a few extra dollars so they might get to their next destination without worry.
Many times, my father carried my aged uncle to his doctor’s appointments and various hospital stays, looking in on him until he was released. Then, transporting him back to his home many miles away. He took care of my grandmother until she passed from this life in July, 1989.
My father successfully raised my two brothers and I by following the instructions found in Ephesians 6:4; cf. Genesis 18:16-19). The following are just some of the things he taught us when we were growing up:
1) Always treat your fellow man with honor and respect (Romans 13:7; 1 Peter 2:17).
2) Be honest in all your dealings (Romans 12:17; 2 Corinthians 8:21).
3) Don’t ever tell a lie (Ephesians 4:25; cf. Colossians 3:9). Always tell the truth, no matter the consequence (1 Samuel 3:15-18).
4) Honor the elderly (Leviticus 19:32; 1 Timothy 5:1) by answering them with a “Yes Ma’am” and “Yes Sir.”
5) Never take advantage of an individual who is weak and down and out (Gal. 6:1-3), but rather help him (1 Thessalonians 5:14; 1 John 3:17-18).
6) Give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay (Ephesians 6:5-8; cf. 1 Timothy 6:1).
7) Let your word be your “bond” (taking the place of a written and sealed obligation – a contract). If you tell someone you’ll do something, do it! (cf. Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21-23; Ecclesiastes 5:5-7). If you can’t fulfill the obligation, communicate that to the individual you told, so they can make other arrangements. Never leave an individual “hanging.”
8) Honor your father and your mother (Ephesians 6:2). Us boys were never allowed to talk back to our father or our mother. If we did, we were in severe trouble. As a result of his teaching, my youngest brother honored both our our father and mother by taking care of their physical needs, right up until the day of their death.
No matter how many years go by, I’ll always remember the kindness, goodness, and compassion my dad displayed toward folks with whom he came in contact with, and I will always count the time that I was in his presence a great blessing from the Lord (Acts 20:35-38).
And no matter how hard I try, no matter how many tears I cry, no matter how many years go by, I still can’t say “goodbye.”