Dad was all about using quotes as positive reinforcement in life. I know he loved to use quotes because he loved sports and knew that they could help guide us down the right path in life. A quote I always used and held onto I pulled straight from the movie, Hitched. "Begin each day as if it were on purpose." Simple, and some may say corny, but I live by it. That quote is very relevant moving forward with my story about dad. Each day it was a given that Lindsay and I would wake up to a quote of the day under our doors. Dad was a morning person and would wake up at 4am every day. The quotes would be hand written on post it notes or pulled off of his daily quote calendars. Either way, they stuck with me throughout the days and to this day. Now quotes mean everything to me. I read them constantly. Quotes give me something to work on each day towards a better me.
Now for the part of the story that I was holding back on til now. A quote that I can vividly remember goes something like this "a true test of a man's character is doing what is right when no one is watching." I know that is not exactly it, but you get the point. After dad passed and mom, Lindsay and I met with our paster, I learned from my mom that dad did his daily devotionals each morning by his bed at 4am! I knew my dad as good as a son could. I told him every thing. I thought I knew his every move. This was one secret he kept from Lindsay and I and I will never forget it. I always had the deepest respect for him but this just made me prouder. I will pass on the love of quotes to my friends and family because I know what they have meant to me in my life and how they can help others. Remember, it is not only about doing what is right when people are watching, it is when no one is around that really counts.
As hard as it has to be to write these things, I know that everyone can benefit from hearing about and learning from the kind of man your dad was. So great that God gives you the strength to share your memories with others! I hope you will continue sharing!
ReplyDeleteAndrew,
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time and sharing with us. I'm sure I speak for everyone that they offer much to so many and are a great tribute to the influence your dad has had on all of us. Your story reminded me of the passage from Matthew 6:1-34
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
Your dad, is no doubt, receiving his award now. As you said, one's character isn't defined by what one does in front of an audience.
~Ashley~