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Verse:My … [daughter], keep my words, and treasure my commands within you. Keep my commands and live. —Proverbs 7:1, 2, NKJV
It was 2018 and Father’s Day again.
What a joy it was for me to dial that familiar number to hear my daddy’s voice. I could almost see the twinkle in his eyes.
I heard his laughter as he recognized my voice.
I was his seventh child, and I knew he loved me as dearly as he loved the other nine. I felt special as if I were the only one, but all the others knew they were special too. I expressed my Father’s Day greeting with gratitude to my Father in heaven, knowing that it was His special mercies that kept Dad for his 103 (soon to be 104) years.
Though it was still fairly early in the morning, I knew his routine upon rising: a glass of water with lemon juice, a chapter from the Bible, followed by his morning devotions, and a walk before breakfast. Dad’s time with God is not negotiable —even if the queen were visiting. The foundational principles that were established in our home were based on the Bible first and then supported by the inspirational writings by Ellen G. White. Along with that firm spiritual foundation came lessons of love, compassion, generosity, and all the virtues Dad claimed from God’s Word.
His wardrobe is still always assembled with meticulous thought so that when he emerges from his bedroom, dressed for all occasions, heads turn, and eyes light up. His greatest joy is the fact that all his children have followed in his footsteps. As the saying goes, “We are products of our environment.” Conversing with Dad led me to think of the relationship Jesus has with His Father. In John 10:30, He said to the disciples, “I and My Father are one” (NKJV). They shared in the creation and redemption stories and the plans for the universe. Yet, because of His love and compassion, Jesus gave up His status and became a servant so that we could regain our status as sons and daughters.
Jesus, our older Brother, knows that we are also products of our environment. His consistent prayer life, which sought His father’s strength, and His life of service are our examples. Each day let us celebrate Father’s Day with our Father in heaven, giving thanks for His unconditional love. His admonition to us: “Keep my commands and live.”
Sonia Kennedy-Brown