Faith...and Faithfulness.

I saw a post on Facebook yesterday that simply said----Name One Thing Your Dad Taught You.

That would be impossible for me. My father taught me many things…some that I passed on to my sons…..some I found hard to swallow.

My Dad suffered polio in high school and lost the use of one of his arms and one of his legs. When I was born he worked as a cement finisher, a physically demanding job for anyone…a grueling one for him.

He persevered and decided to apply for an overnight police officer position in our little town. In those days, a physical test was not required. Remarkably he got the job and flourished as a cop, while our little town went through a growth spurt. During my high school years, he was the police chief.

It was a great motivator having your dad, toting a firearm, in the end zone, as you carried the football.

Quite honestly, I idolized him. He epitomized how to overcome adversity to succeed in life.

But things happened. He decided to leave my mom after 30 years of marriage. I had no idea he had a problem remaining faithful. He soon rid himself of a relationship with my sister….and finally I was dismissed. We didn’t talk to each other for a decade. I really had no use for him.

Then one evening while preparing a Sunday School lesson on the topic of forgiveness…I was convicted. I reached out to him and we reconciled. I was there to care for him in his final days.

So, Dad taught me at least three things. There are no insurmountable barriers to success. Be faithful….and live your faith. If I have passed those things on my sons, and did nothing else….I’d count myself, a success.