Never let it be said …
It was such a poignant moment — painfully so — that the memory with full visuals are crisply clear in my mind. The day my dad said to me, “You’re so stupid you stink!”
I was just a kid when he spoke those angry words. That memory is a key example of the kind of man my dad was.
Like any other man, he could have chosen to go another route and be a good husband to his faithful wife, and a good father to his eight children. But he didn’t.
Could, but didn’t.
The result for my father was an empty life with an ugly ending.
But each of us face that critical differentiator: Could, but didn’t.
Each of us have many, many choices we could make, but don’t. Not for the better.
Some could actually love God, but don’t.
Some could make a much greater difference in the lives of others, but don’t.
Some could live the faith they proclaim, but don’t.
Some could make a real difference, but don’t.
Some could lead others to Christ, but don’t.
Some have much more they could give (in a variety of ways), but don’t.
Some could become who God wants them to be, but don’t.
Some could have richer, deeper relationships, but don’t.
How about you? What is the greater, higher leading of God in your life you could reach if only you would? What remains undone in your life because you’ve chosen a lesser direction thus far?
What are you going to do about these things? Anything? Or will you let it be said of you, “Could, but didn’t.”
Scotty
July 8, 2012 at 6:56 pm
This post made me cry. I'm sorry your Dad didn't live up to his potential. That's sad for all of you. My oldest sister and 1st cousin (same last name) were the valedictorian and the salutatorian of our school. I know what it feels like to be told you're stupid and don't measure up. I felt the pain all over again when I read your words. But, thanks to our wonderful Lord we don't have to live there any more.
Speaking of the Lord…I want to live and do all I can for Him while I'm here. Simply loving Him isn't enough. I want everyone I meet to know how wonderful He is. I don't want to stand in front of Him expecting to hear 'Well done' but instead hear Him say, 'Well??'. Excellent post as always my friend.
July 8, 2012 at 7:05 pm
Thanks Linda! One of the things we miss is understanding our poor decisions often go beyond ourselves to impact others. Fortunately, God isn't rating us by performance. His great desire is our being with Him, rather than performing for Him. But when we walk with Him, our lives really do become fuller, and we wind up accomplishing more — at least, more of what matters. We can't do everything, but we can do everything He calls us to and points to.