Reflections

Role Model

My dad was a Marine. His name was George. Fought in the Korean war, was wounded at Pork Chop hill and one of the last soldiers to escape alive right before the 10,000 Chinese troops arrived. The shrapnel in his legs left some visible scars. He never talked much about it but when he did the stories told were about brutal deaths and the horrors of war that would scare any man’s soul. I often wondered how anyone who fought in war could escape their nightmares and live a normal life but he was a great role model and dad. He was a quite man dedicated to his family. Worked three jobs to make ends meet and although we had little money we wanted for nothing. When reflecting over the years I realized the simple gifts he gave me, like converting our garage into a gym so we could improve in sports. Helping me buy my first car and his simple lifestyle example of putting others first, telling the truth and always doing the right thing.

He loved his family. He loved his job as a printer but it would eventually kill him. A lifetime of working in and around chemicals led to a fatal cancer. He left this world his shriveled embattled body. He also left his legacy to a proud son who still today uses the various poems, motivational quotes and stories he would create off his printing press and let me pass along to friends and family. So thankful today for his role model. His mostly good habits became mine and helped shape my personality for life. We need to remember how important our personal example is to our families and the world. My dad had character. I didn’t exactly know it at the time but that’s how he lived. He had compassion, integrity and love in his heart for everyone around him. I’ll never live up to what he was but I’ll try.

We need to teach and coach how important it is to know everyone is watching. I hope he might be watching me today. I hope to see him again someday.

Wisdom and Making Decisions

By now most of you know I consider the book of Proverbs not only one of favorite books in the whole Bible but one of usefulness and value. (see attached list of some favorites).

Recently on the road we’ve been discussing making good decisions in life and work but not many speak about using the Bible to assist. Hence sharing the wisdom contained in Proverbs. An old poem I memorized long ago comes to mind: “Upon the plains of hesitation, bleached the bones of countless millions, who upon the threshold of victory sat down to wait. And waiting they died.”

So many time’s we seem paralyzed to make a prudent decision. It’s always easier to get into something than it is to get out. I think of relationships…. Easier to get into debt that get out…. Recently I think of war.

Most likely we won’t die if we hesitate as the poem suggests. Many time’s it’s wiser not to make a quick decision. Let’s look at what the Bible teaches us on Decision Making:

• Pray for Guidance: Proverbs 28:26 “A man is a fool to trust himself! But those who use God’s wisdom are safe.” Ask God to guide us before we jump in.
• Get the Facts: Proverbs 13:6 “All who are prudent act with knowledge.” Research first and gather as much data as possible.
• Ask for Advice: “The more advice you get the more likely you are to win.”
• Calculate the Cost: Proverbs 20:25 “It’s a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.” Every decision has a price tag. It costs time, money, energy, reputation, talent. A wise decision is better than a quick decision.
• Prepare for problems: Proverbs 22:3 “A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”
• Face your fears: Eccliastes 11:4 “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.” We should trust God and start moving in spite of problems, fears, doubts.

We all need to remember we are imperfect. Remember the lesson how God uses imperfect people to do His will……Moses couldn’t face crowds, Abraham too old, David too young…….