This weekend we were leaving very early to go sing in Arkansas for three dates. Before
meeting the group, I stopped at a local convenience store to get some food for the trip. Have you ever noticed that at odd hours you see some "interesting" folks in places like that?
Well, this particular time was no exception.As soon as I walked in, I noticed this one rather rough looking gentleman at the counter. I
started to go about my business, but I couldn't help noticing that he seemed to be watching me. I didn't really think too much about it…..until I started up to the counter. It was almost
as if this guy was hanging around waiting on me. As I approached, he looked around and said in a loud voice, "Hey, is your name Murphy?" Well, the obvious answer was yes, but
at that point I was wondering what he wanted to hear!! After a moment I managed to acknowledge "Yes, my name is Murphy", but I was thinking the whole time, "do I know this guy?"
He laughed a hearty laugh and went on to immediately say, "I knew it! You look just like your Daddy!" He went on to describe how much he liked my dad. You see, Dad was a
school principal for many years, until his recent retirement. I don't know how many times when I was younger, our family would be out somewhere and a child from Dad's school
would run up and say "Hi, Mr. Murphy", followed by a hug in many cases. Dad seemed to befriend all kinds of kids, the good students and the bad, the kids with a solid home-life and
those from rough situations. They all genuinely loved Dad. Well, this big, rough-looking character had been one of those little kids that Dad had befriended at his school years ago.
The guy from the convenience store had lost touch with Dad for many years, until just recently. He talked about how Dad had been so good for him during his childhood years.
He also talked about Dad "getting his attention" a few times in the principal's office…if you know what I mean. He even said he remembered seeing me at the school with Dad when I
was a really little guy. However, he didn't recognize me from those days of my childhood. He recognized me because my appearance now reminded him of Dad.
What an unspeakable compliment he had given me. I can't describe to you just how much I admire all aspects of my Dad's life. You know how people say that in life, there are givers
and there are takers? Well, Dad has always been a giver. He gives of himself to help others. He gives to his family by being a great husband, father, and grandfather. He gives
to his church in ways that most folks never see. And most importantly, he gives to God through his faithful service and witness. Dad continues to be a great example for me.
I've always told Dad that I want to be like him. I am striving to be as good a dad for my family as my dad continues to be for ours. I want to be as giving to others as Dad has
always been. Dad is equally comfortable being a leader or a follower. You might see him at one point working on his computer, the next he is playing with his grandkids, and the
next he is being a great handyman around the house. (I think I can handle the computer part, and I love to play with the kids, but I'm hopeless at the handyman stuff!!!)
Its nice for people to recognize me as Dad's son, simply due to appearance. But you know, now that I think about it, I would like it even more if they recognized that I am his son
simply due to my actions and attitudes being so much like his.
Isn't that the same way we feel about God? We can't rely on folks recognizing us as His
child because of appearances. They have to see Him through our actions day to day. Are we showing His love to the unlovable? Are we living according to his Word? Are we
forgiving others as we have been forgiven? It's easy to testify of our relationship with Him on Sunday morning, isn't it? But how about Monday morning through Saturday night? Those
are the times that our "walk with Him" is being watched ever so closely.
How would it make you feel if someone at work walked up to you and said "I've been
watching you lately and I know that you must be a child of God." That would be music to my ears!
It's almost Father's Day. Be sure that you share some time with your dad. Don't just give
him some trite-sounding card or another necktie he will never wear. Tell him what he really means to you. It would be a good idea to do the same for your Heavenly Father, don't you
think? Spend some time simply thanking Him for who He is and all He's done for you. That's what I plan to do.
Happy Father's Day Daddy. I love you. How about fixing your famous breakfast for us on Sunday morning?……. ;-)
