Depending on your background and experiences, memory can be either a blessing or a “curse.” Our memories give flavor and value to life in many ways. I often recall a time when my father provided the “entertainment” for the family during our monthly hour and a half trip to see my grandmother. There was no radio — or heater — or air conditioner — in our old ‘38 Ford. If we wanted entertainment we had to provide it for ourselves.
My mother often said Dad could, with a little training, have been a good singer – and that may very well have been true. When I hear one of those old songs on my iPod I can remember him singing just as if it were yesterday.
Yes, they were old songs – not just a little old, but very old – and I still enjoy them. “Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life” was one. “Home on the Range” was another. He also liked to sing a lot of the hymns that were in our old songbook, and he knew the words and the melody. I’m glad I have that memory and that I can think of my father often and with good memories. I’m glad I can still “hear” him singing.
On this “Father’s Day” we would all benefit from going back and remembering our fathers. Mine has been gone for nearly thirty years, and I still miss him. He was not an educated man, but he would not allow me to forego my education. He taught me the joy and dignity of work.
If your father is still living, make sure you take full advantage of your time with him. Mothers have a slightly different perspective on life, but that is to your advantage.
Fathers, some day your children will look back and recall events, moments in your life. What you do now will influence what they remember – and what they do.
What about your character?
You may not realize it, but children see and remember more than you think. They see — and remember the way you do business. Are you an honest man? Do you cut corners in dealing with others? At age 11 I once saw my father give back some change when the clerk made a mistake. I never forgot it, and if your children ever see that kind of honesty they won’t forget it, either. Trust me — you won’t regret leaving that kind of memory with them.
How do you treat their mother?
Your actions have an influence on all your children. In Ephesians 5:25 Paul wrote “husbandsloveyour wives.” If you don’t “love” them, the first ones to see it are the very ones you don’t want to see it. How you treat your wife will be an example for all your children.
Do you show your love for her in the way you talk to her? Help her? Do you consider her in the big decisions that must be made? Do you show your love by considering her interests? Her preferences? Or do you merely please yourself?
This word “love” is not the one talked about in the movies. It is a term that means you care for her enough that you please her, you consider her needs more than your own. Your children will easily see that kind of love. One of the best things you can do for your children is love their mother—really love her!
Have they seen you study your Bible?
You do have a Bible of your own, don’t you? There may be nothing more revealing to your children than the fact that you really do believe in God, you really do believe the Bible is His word. And it can be seen by the attention you give to that great book. Do you read it? Do you talk about it at the supper table? Moses was inspired to tell parents of his day how they should treat the Mosaic law:
“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates,” Deuteronomy 6:6-9.
While the Mosaic law has been fulfilled (Matthew 5:17, Ephesians 2:15), surely the gospel should have at least as much impact on our lives as that given thru Moses.
Your children will be able to tell whether your interest in the gospel is genuine or just for show.
Do they ever hear you pray?
It is not weakness for a man to pray – it shows that you depend on God for your strength. There are times when I need strength that can come only when I admit that I cannot face every issue by myself. We teach our children a powerful lesson when we admit our need for God and His strength. Every time they hear you pray they will be reminded of your great strength.
We don’t sing in the car as much as we did in the past. Why not give your children something by which to remember you!
