Dear Zion Family and Friends, Tuesday Oct.7th My dad always cared for others, especially the ones everyone else gave up on. The last time I went home I nervously watched my dad engage a woman in conversation outside a restaurant. He has lost some filters he use to have, so I was nervous when I saw him hug the woman. Later at the table, he explained through simple conversation he learned her father had just died, and he just wanted to help her. I walked right by the crying woman and did nothing. Another lesson from a good man. Remembering my father is mostly good. He has Alzheimers, and is in no way the man he was. He has mellowed, softened and become more sensitive and gentile. Or have I changed? No doubt my dad was a strong willed man, expected a heck of a lot, and pushed me in many areas while seeming to forget to say atta boy in others. Or was my ability to hear his love and wisdom the problem? My dad taught me leave the world better than you found it. Church is like ice cream, lots of flavors but they are all still ice cream. Always help others. Work hard. Be responsible. Respect is given and earned. Never give up on people no matter what. Pain will pass, love is forever. Just a few good memories of my dad. As I think of who I was, who I am, and who I will become, I am grateful for my dad, and people like my dad that set me on edge, speak to me with direct comments and love, and share wisdom and promote growth in me. We all need people around us that both affirm us, and push us. Love is not passive and submissive. It is caring and active, sometimes tough, sometimes gentle. My dad was my coach, taught me to hunt and fish, and was an excellent provider, successful worker and great family man. He lived, and lives today his faith. Much of who I am is because of him. God uses my life today, and my relationships today, to continue to understand my past, myself and faith. The question simply is how willing am I to let God speak through others. And that means learning to stop speaking, pray, and listen to God speak. If I am so busy speaking myself about my stuff, aggressively, passively, authoritatively or apologetically, I just can not listen and learn. God still speaks and brings deeper meaning and understanding. Listen. As I remember my dad, I am mindful of others that have had no father, abusive fathers or other circumstances that seemingly make my story irrelevant. I believe love starts from God and grace. It may seem to be absent in life, but as we grow in Gods love, we see it, and experience it in ways we only discover because we are growing in faith. God loves you, I wish your start of growth to always begin there. Prayer Lord thank you for my parents, and the unique and special relationship I had with both my mom and dad. Thank you for the people in my life today that continue to love me like parents. Thank you for your love for me. Amen. Have a great week Pr. Rob
Posted on: Wed, 08 Oct 2014 01:33:21 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015