It’s Father’s Day tomorrow in our part of the world. A day where we celebrate, love, and honour the men in our lives. In our house that means breakfast in bed for my husband, the kids lining up at the end of the bed waiting to give their gifts, and everyone making an extra effort to be helpful, on their best behaviour, and to think about their Dad and what he would like for the day. It’s his special day, and he deserves every bit of praise, honour, kisses and cuddles and love he gets, because he is pretty amazing!
For some it may be a difficult day as their Dad’s may no longer be with them, either through death, estrangement, neglect or because they simply don’t know who their Dad is. Personally for me it means remembering my Dad who passed away eight years ago, and reflecting on His determination, words of wisdom, which were usually tinged with a little humour, and being grateful I know he is now in heaven having a great time.
So since it’s Father’s Day tomorrow I’d like to honour my Dad and share some of what we call “Poppee’s’ nuggets”, as he spent quite a few years in the gold mining region of Kalgoorlie/Boulder. Gold nuggets often have to be dug up, and unless they’re examined and dusted off you may not realise their value. Such is my Dad’s words of advice and wisdom.
One “nugget” comes to mind today especially and that is “to learn from those who have gone before us”. Dad was often frustrated by people’s failure to learn from other’s experience, age and wisdom. He commented that many are determined to “do it their way” and therefore keep falling into the same problems and mistakes.
Which is ridiculous really, but all too often the sad truth. Why is it that we feel the need to have to learn the hard way, rather than taking what has happened to others, and choosing to go a better way?
One would hope that is why we have records, and teach history in schools. Because shouldn’t the insights we learn from history, previous people, and even other nations’ experiences help us to choose wisely and well?
The wisest Father I know would have to be God, who created the Universe in the first place; so it would make sense to listen and glean understanding and wisdom from His words. He encourages us to grow in understanding, to seek Him for wisdom, and to apply what we learn to our lives. It is as my Dad would say, the height of foolishness and arrogance to discover what He says, and then go off and do the other thing.
Today, whatever you may be facing in life I encourage you to learn from those who have gone before, (especially your Dad). Those who have taken a certain path – be that individuals or other nations; those older, wiser, and more experienced than you are. Look, listen, learn and then walk wisely, because as you do you will avoid many pitfalls.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)
“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,” (Proverbs 2:1-7)
Prayer: Lord thankyou for those around me that I can learn from, both from their wisdom and their mistakes. But most of all, thankyou for being my heavenly Father who never leaves me, or lets me down. Help me to lean on and trust in your love and wisdom today. In Jesus name Amen.
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