I’ve got a picture of my dad in my office. It’s attached to the American flag that was used in his memorial service when he died. It reminds me of his service to our country as a United States Marine. It’s a great picture. He’s in a leather jacket with a WWII leather flight helmet and goggles on his forehead. Actually, for you Star Wars fans, it reminds me of Maz. She was a little, humanoid alien with orange-tinted skin always wearing large goggles. No disrespect, just giving you a mental picture.
Aside from the Star Wars reference, dad’s picture is a daily reminder of something for me. It reminds me to strive to do my best. It reminds me that others, especially parents, play an extremely large role in forming your character. I wish I would have listened better. I wish I would have obeyed more consistently. But the picture of dad doesn’t make me feel guilty of things I should have done. Today, it motivates me to be who he wanted me to be. And it’s bigger than that. It reminds me I have a heavenly Father who wants the best for me as well. I still get the opportunity to obey and listen to Him, sooner rather than later. Ephesians 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”