I remember as a kid going through the checkout lane at the grocery store with my dad. The lady in front of us was carefully reviewing her items on the counter. She paid with food stamps. The clerk took her food stamps and explained to her that something was wrong with them (I was too little to understand that part of it). She started to tear up as she began to gather her items to put them back. But she never had to do that. My dad said, "Ma-am, leave your things where they are." He then paid for them himself. I've witnessed him do that more than once. Now grown, I've been faced with similar situations in the checkout aisle. But thanks to Dad, I know just what to do. He didn't explain it to me. He SHOWED me. I could tell lots of these stories, wonderful things my dad did. But I think I'll save them for future entries.
Parents, your kids are watching you. Are you teaching them how to steal cable, cheat the government? Or are they seeing you make people's lives better. What will you SHOW them that will make them great human beings? Be like my dad. Do something simple that makes people ask you if you're an angel. My dad's answer to that was always, "No ma-am. I'm just a decent human being." Thanks for the life lessons Dad. To me, you're so much more than just a "decent human being". You're a hero.
If you'd like to share a great lesson taught by your dad (or another person), leave a comment. I'd love to hear about it!
