Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: The Family Reunion (06/05/08)
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TITLE: A Great Grandfather's Encouragement | Previous Challenge Entry
By Tajuana Taylor
06/12/08 -
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The many kind gestures I’ve witnessed by my great grandfather as a child were very influential. He was a man that believed in the success that comes from hard and honest work. My great grandfather – Daddy Vernon as we all knew him – was a giving man one with integrity and compassion. Daddy Vernon had incredible ways of showing his love by a pat on the head, a piece of candy and, my favorite, a bucket full of fruit. Many times I found myself, as a child, responding to others with the same honest facial expressions and kind words as my great grandfather. The simple sight of my great grandfather would bring a sincere smile to my face. I can remember so well the times the family would gather at my great grandparent’s home. I would run quickly through the house, out the back door where I knew to find my great grandfather working on something or another. I would quickly begin begging him to climb the tree for cherries or apricots. Daddy Vernon would smile from this request and say, “Slow down, my child. Give your lungs a chance to enjoy the oxygen.” Then without hesitation or irritation – from my outburst of interruption – he would walk over to the shed and pull out the bucket and ladder to assist him in fulfilling my desire to devour the fruit.
From my great grandfather’s statements of humor and acts of kindness I’ve been taught the joy in doing for others, and the chuckle that it brings to the heart. I’m forever grateful to him for giving me a love that shined brightly through his eyes, his gestures, and his attentiveness. I honor him by always remembering the “speechless love” that he gave to me and many others without hesitation. My great grandfather died October 6, 1983, but his wealth of warmth, compassion, and speechless love will forever encourage my life. In many situations I find myself thinking “What would Daddy Vernon say?” or “How would Daddy Vernon respond?” Witnessing my great grandfather’s compassionate nature I’m heartened to love family and friends just as God loves me so that I too can be a positive influence. By the same token, I strive daily to live by the word of God with a “Christ like attitude.”
When we support and encourage one another as the Apostle Paul shares in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV), “Encourage each other to build each other up, just as in fact you are doing,” we are living by the word of God. Moreover, it’s the fun filled and heartfelt days spent at a family reunion that builds character of honesty and compassion. Quality time spent with family promotes healthy living, and no insurance company can provide benefits as the love given from one family member to another.
I leave you with this note; be a positive influence and saturate your circle of family and friends with love and encouragement. Agape!
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