Brenda’s Blog – September 21, 2021
“I wish I had known your Dad.”
We Smith children hear that a lot after people read Dad’s writings. His wisdom and principle-based thinking still impact people years after his death.
My answer is usually “If you know me or my siblings, then you do know Dad.” His influence permeates our thinking.
We have an excellent Biblical example in David and Solomon. They were both writers who expressed their belief systems – one in a lyrical format; the other in wisdom sayings. David’s Psalm 37:5 says “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” Solomon’s admonition in Proverbs 3:5-7 reflects the influence of his father: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge him. And he will make straight your paths.”
We hear the father in the voice of the son.
Have you ever said something and then immediately responded, “Oh, that sounds exactly like my Mom (or Dad)? We are profoundly marked by the lives of our parents, grandparents, and other significant adults during our upbringing. And now that we are the voices the younger ones hear, they are being imprinted by our words.
Who is within your sphere of influence? Who is absorbing your attitudes, your thinking, your belief system? What will their lives represent?
The Bible clearly instructs older ones to definitely speak to the younger ones about the nature of God – His faithfulness, His goodness, and His mighty works. We have our marching orders as elders to implant the truths of scripture, not backing away or neglecting our responsibility.
When somebody says to me, “That sounds just like your Dad,” I smile. My greatest hope is to sound like my heavenly Father.