10.10.08 The Wisdom of a Father, Proverbs 10

At my dad's gravesite on his birthday

It dawned on me the night before that it was my father's birthday. My father has been deceased for over six years and died of liver cancer at age 56. The doctors gave him 5 months to live and that is about how long he lived after his diagnosis. He had never really been sick most of his life. He was a guy who enjoyed life, family, and worked hard (which he enjoyed).

I am not one who makes it a point to visit gravesites, but today's reading provided an interest. I drove to Bryan, Texas in my old bimmer and picked up my sister, Joanne "Jodie". It was a beautiful windy day and a great ride through the country. She was ready when I got to her home and so we drove over to see my father to wish him a happy birthday in heaven. At the site, I was able to read Proverbs 10 to him out loud.

"I can only imagine" by Mercy Me (the song my dad died listening to)

That is why I have labeled this posting "The Wisdom of a Father". My dad lived out many of these verses to me and I often regret that I wasn't the best son, but my sister pointed out that he was very proud of me. I needed to hear that.

My sister Joanne with our dad

These verses stood out to me today:

Proverbs 10:1 - "A wise son brings joy to his father . . ."

A deep need for a man is to be recognized by his father. I really enjoyed the book "Wild at Heart" by John Eldredge where he talks about, how many men receive a deep wound from their fathers in their early years. Many fathers do not know how they hurt their sons. My father often told me he was proud of me and so I do make a point to tell my daughters how they inspire me. They need to hear it often. Do you think you have brought joy to your father? Every man wants to know the answer to this question.

Proverbs 10:3 - "The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry . . ."

I remember my father worked in a grocery store for much of his life. He would bring food to our extended families (i.e., uncles, aunts, cousins, etc.). He would find great deals on produce or slightly dented cans and would share with the family at large. If we couldn't get it from a grocery store, he would take me hunting or fishing and would even organize hunts with the family. He gave me all of my childhood guns before he died. I am hoping to take my daughters on a few hunts when they are of age.

People still talk about this needed help. In addition, he loved to barbecue and when visitors came over, he would break out the steaks or whatever he had and the visit turned into a mini-celebration.

I don't ever recall having to do without as a kid. I learned about sacrifice when my wife and I moved to New Orleans (we had just gotten married and I was serving in the Marines). We worked to put each other through college, times were lean, and it was then that we learned what being without meant. You can only eat so much Ramen Noodle or Tuna, before you learn to appreciate your blessings.

Proverbs 10:7 - "The memory of the righteous will be a blessing . . ."

It is great to remember the righteous. Do you have any family that you often reflect and remember? Grandparents, uncles, cousins, a spouse? What do you most fondly recall?

Raymond Valadez in his prime

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org