Like Father, Like Son

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It’s been said that we all eventually become carbon copies of our parents. Sons become but mirror images of what they see and hear in the example of their fathers. As the saying goes: Like father, like son. With this as context, humor me a bit as I share a few “reflections” of my dad.

First, God delights in men who are truthful (Prov. 12:22). Don’t lie.

Second,wisdom and humility go hand in hand (Prov. 11:2). The smart guy hears praise from the lips of others and not his own.

Third, it’s often best to be quiet (Prov. 10:19). There are fewer regrets when we hold our tongue and listen rather than talk.

Fourth, don’t just stand there—start sweeping. My dad told me this as I prepared to start my first real job (working in a factory) after I graduated from high school. As I was leaving the house he pulled me aside and said, “If you’ve finished what you were asked to do, don’t stand around—find a broom and start sweeping.” In every job I’ve had since I’ve always looked for the opportunity to “start sweeping” rather than wait to be told what to do.

Fifth, have faith. When my dad was dying of heart disease I bumbled my way into his hospital room trying to encourage him. “You know,” I said, “if it weren’t for your heart surgery you might never have come to Christ. God used your bad heart to bring you to Him.” In spite of the incredible presumption of me telling a dying man that his diseased heart was a blessing, my dad said, “I know, and I thank God for my heart every day.”

Like father, like son? I can only pray that it is so….