DAILY BREAD, FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2007
"Daddy, Tell Me About Your Father"
My dad, Gary Neal Pollard, Sr., is a man of sterling character. He is generous, yet spendthrifty (in the good sense). He is a hard worker. He is a very smart man, having earned several advanced degrees, but he is extremely humble. He loves his children, showing unswerving dedication and unembarrassed concern over their welfare (even as they navigate their adult years). My dad played ball with me. He watched me play ball. He frequently led the family in nightly devotions. I saw him, on an often-paltry preacher's salary, buy a poor family a week's worth of groceries. He genuinely believes in prayer, and I often caught him practicing that belief. He is a strong man, but he unashamedly sheds tears over spiritual concerns. He is not a perfect man, but he is a godly man. I will make sure my sons know how good their grandfather is, and I am thankful they already know.
I cannot believe I have three boys. One day, they will be grown. Given the Pollard track record, they might even have some boys some day. Someday, somewhere, there well may be a conversation between Gary, Dale, Carl and their respective children. My name will come up. My qualities will be mentioned. They will have memories of me. As I write this, I almost tremble. What kind of legacy am I building for my boys? How will they remember me? Like a blinding light, I see each little frailty and flaw in my character! Am I praying enough, singing enough, doing good often enough that they will see, learn and imitate me? Can they safely follow my lead?
Dads, God has given you a special role and place in the family. You are the earthly leader of your home. You are slowly, steadily building a legacy, each and every day. The words and deeds of your life are putting it together, the bricks that are building their memory of who you were to them. Take that seriously! Live up to the level of your responsibility. Spend time with your children. Show them love. Nurture them. Admonish them. Lead them to heaven. Even after you have gone, you will be the topic of family conversation. Do not be a disappointment to them. Do not disappoint your Heavenly Father. Be a good dad!
I cannot believe I have three boys. One day, they will be grown. Given the Pollard track record, they might even have some boys some day. Someday, somewhere, there well may be a conversation between Gary, Dale, Carl and their respective children. My name will come up. My qualities will be mentioned. They will have memories of me. As I write this, I almost tremble. What kind of legacy am I building for my boys? How will they remember me? Like a blinding light, I see each little frailty and flaw in my character! Am I praying enough, singing enough, doing good often enough that they will see, learn and imitate me? Can they safely follow my lead?
Dads, God has given you a special role and place in the family. You are the earthly leader of your home. You are slowly, steadily building a legacy, each and every day. The words and deeds of your life are putting it together, the bricks that are building their memory of who you were to them. Take that seriously! Live up to the level of your responsibility. Spend time with your children. Show them love. Nurture them. Admonish them. Lead them to heaven. Even after you have gone, you will be the topic of family conversation. Do not be a disappointment to them. Do not disappoint your Heavenly Father. Be a good dad!
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