Remembering, Celebrating, Giving Thanks

 

My Dad was born 100 years ago today!  Although he is celebrating his 22^nd birthday in heaven, there is still much gratitude for the love and relationship shared, lessons taught, expectations, and memories.  When our parents married, one of their goals was to raise a close family.  I’m so grateful they pursued their desire by intentionally creating traditions, providing opportunities, and modeling Christianity and how we were to live.  Dad’s legacy lives on!

A few of Dad’s mandates and advice:

* Treat and speak to your mother respectfully, at ALL times.

* Express appreciation with your words, both spoken and written.

* Making lists helps keep you organized.

* Smile before answering the phone (for better chances of a pleasant voice.)

* You only have one chance to make a good first impression.

* Dress the best you can for the occasion.

* Keep in touch with relatives.

* Turn off the light when leaving an empty room.  (Having to pay a quarter if you didn’t helped instill this rule quickly.)

* Close the door behind you.  We’re not air-conditioning all of Pasadena.

* Empty the lint trap on the dryer after each load, to conserve energy and keep the dryer working at its best.

* Decide what you need before you open the refrigerator door.

* Your friends at church will be your lifelong friends.

* Church is a priority.

* Be intentional about treasuring and loving the family and friends you still have with you.

 

May we, too, instill and invest in a legacy that will last long after we are gone.

 

 

   Listen, my son, to your

father's instruction and do

not forsake your mother’s

   teaching. They are a

garland to grace your head

   and a chain to adorn your

              neck.

Proverbs 1:8-9

 

Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.

Proverbs 17:6

 

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

Ephesians 6:1