Grandfather Would Want You To Know

  I would ask for your indulgence as I post one more entry on my heritage today.  I’ve been thinking about doing this post all week and finally had a moment to do so.  The words below seem so appropriate as we consider our goals for the coming new year.  In my last post, I mentioned the “Grandmother Remembers” book that my Grandma completed for me almost 20 years ago.  One of my favorite pages in the book is a page entitled “Grandfather Would Want You To Know” where my Grandpa got the opportunity to offer his thoughts.  Grandpa has only been with Grandma in Heaven for a few years now, but I am sure it was a joyful reunion…they were married over 50 years.  Anyway, consider Grandpa my “guest blogger” today.  I think his words of wisdom bear repeating…here they are in their entirety.

I think you should know that there are a few things that are really important in our lives.  I’ve listed these that seem important to me- not necessarily in any particular order of importance.

1. Live your life and all of its relationships according to Christian principles- you know what these are but it’s a good idea to review them on a continuing basis through regular worship and study.
2. Continue your education throughout your lifetime by reading and listening and being aware of what is going on around you.
3. Keep your body physically fit through good health habits.  You are blessed with good health- keep it that way.
4. Guard the use of time- it is very precious, so don’t waste it.  When you have something to do, get it done.  Don’t procrastinate.
5. Don’t be afraid to put forth a little extra effort in whatever you do and don’t expect to be rewarded.  Don’t worry about when you are going to get to take your “coffee break.”  There will be plenty of time for relaxation after the job is done.
6. Be on the lookout for better ways to do whatever it is you are doing.  Just because something has always been done a certain way is no reason to think that improvements can’t be made.  If this involves others, it must be done in a diplomatic manner.

There are more things and ideas I’d like to pass on, but these are some of the important ones.  Remember that a happy life can’t be measured in dollars- it is your satisfaction and what you give to others that is important.– Grandpa

As context for his words, you should know that Grandpa began his working life in a poultry house; dressing chickens, testing cream and driving a truck. At his retirement, he was corporate Vice-President of Sun Oil Company and served on the Board of Directors.  In all the ways the world measures success, he was a success…money, influence, position.  But, more importantly, his life was also successful in the ways God measures success.  He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, he served his church as an elder, he was a loyal friend to many people.  A hard-working Christian man….a no-nonsense guy.  He seemed a little gruff to me when I was younger, but turned into a real teddy bear in his later years.

Like all of us, he wasn’t perfect; but he truly lived the principles that he outlined for me in the words above.  We would be wise to take his words to heart.  When he arrived into the Lord’s presence, I have no doubt he heard the words “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  Thanks for your words and example, Grandpa…I love you!