I decided to write a tribute of a different sort here. Although I could write much about the charming, generous, encouraging, loving, humble and generally fascinating man he was, I decided to reflect on the example he set. What did he do as a grandparent that made such a big impact on me, my siblings, and my cousins?
If we carelessly slander others, we participate in the work of the Devil. Let us be those whose judgments bear weight because we are known for being slow to speak and quick to listen. Let us be those who can truly expose wickedness because we have not become unwitting participants with the forces of darkness. Let us not be noisy gongs or clanging symbols, but let us be those whose character resembles Jesus Christ, in word and in action.
Our inheritance is Christ! And this is the greatest provision we can give to our natural and spiritual children. You may have inherited futility from your forefathers (1 Peter 1:18), but you can leave a rich spiritual inheritance to your children. Leave them with more than material goods: leave them with Christ!
Being a father is different than just being a teacher, a manager, or a leader: a father shapes the culture and behavior of a family, church, business, or organization in a foundational way that holds sway even after he is no longer present.
Our children desperately need us to instruct them in the ways of the Lord and in the practical skills necessary to live in this world. This requires that we take the time to patiently teach them and include them in what we do. We need to tell them why we do things, and we need to show them how they, too, can do what we do.
