 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|  | AFA JournalCOMMENTARYWalking in Dad’s pathBy Randall MurphreeAFA Journal Editor AFA Journal, June, 2002 edition On a Saturday morning 50 years ago, I would often be found running down the sidewalks of Oneonta, Alabama, trying to keep pace with my dad. He was not tall, but Dad traveled in long, quick strides, setting a pace that demanded I pay attention and keep up. He’d leave me at Mr. Brooks’ Barber Shop, a $1 bill in my pocket. With the 25 cents change from my haircut, I’d stop by Elmore’s Dime Store to purchase two comic books and an ice cream cone. Soon I’d be settled on the seat from an old car in the office at Uncle Ernest’s Sinclair Service Station reading my comics, and waiting for Dad to pick me up. Interviewing Wayne Hastings (See Wisdom for rearing godly children) and talking with him about his son brought a lot of memories to mind. As vividly as any other, I recall those days of running just to keep up with Dad’s quick steps. This Father’s Day season, I’m reminded that my life has been richly blessed with this man who set not only a physical pace for me to match, but also a spiritual pace for me to emulate. My dad taught me not only how to milk a cow and mend a pasture fence, but also how to minister to others and mend relationships; not only how to pick cotton and love nature, but also how to preserve my character and love a neighbor; not only how to accept life’s hardest days, but also how to apply God’s Word. I pray that today’s fathers will reflect the same integrity, the same love of God and neighbor, and the same selfless character. What a man. I’m still struggling to keep up with him. In Memory Dwight L. Murphree December 25, 1908 – May 20, 1998 | |
 |
copyright
©2006 American Family Association | privacy
policy
Contact webmaster with questions/comments |
