A Father’s Legacy

I had the privilege of spending a few days with my father this week.  Since he and mom live five and a half hours away our time together is a cherished commodity. At 85 years of age his step is getting much slower and his memory slipping. Yet dad’s mere presence demands such respect.  Throughout the years he has been a steady influence and an invaluable source of wisdom and knowledge. All the children know when we sit down together we will hear the same stories and will get the same reply from mom; “Honey you have already told them about that.” I’ve often wondered why life delivers such repetition. On the one hand it creates humor but on the other concern. But could it be that God in His infinite wisdom orchestrates such a plan because of purpose. Is it His intention that we hear over and over precepts that should not be forgotten? For instance, during this visit Dad chose to tell me again how he came to be appointed to his last pastorate.  It involved fasting, prayer, a vision, a demotion, and yielding to God’s will. To the natural mind these variables might seem insignificant, but not to me.  Somehow this time was different. Whether intentional or not, God allowed me to walk away with some truths that cannot be ignored. Here they are: communication with God is needed especially in times of transition; visions make clear those things that appear to be a blur; bigger is not always better; and there is no greater satisfaction than finding God’s will in life. For me those ingredients add up to the gift of a father’s legacy.