This week in my classes at Grand Canyon, we’re talking about observations.  It’s fun to read about the different lessons that my students have learned through observing–from learning how to make fried chicken from their grandmas to lessons on life.  The conversation this week reminded me of a lesson I learned from my Dad as a teenager, just ready to head off to college.

One day, I got a call from Bank One, telling me that I was hired.  That was great, except I had never submitted an application or done an interview.  I had no idea that I was even in consideration for the job–or even that they were hiring!  It turns out that my Dad had mentioned my name, and I was hired solely on the basis of his character. (Of course I proved myself, too, later on!)  Amazingly, since I was going off to college, I couldn’t work at our local branch, so I was transferred to a branch in Flagstaff with high recommendations–even though I had never worked a day at the bank!

My Dad wasn’t a wealthy man.  He didn’t have any “standing” in the community.  In fact, he was the assistant manager at the local grocery store.  Everybody knew my dad because of his smile, I think.  He was always smiling or joking with one person or another.  It didn’t matter what was going on in his life, my Dad always had something to be thankful for and a kind word for everyone. 

But it wasn’t just his good attitude or his kind words that people noticed.  He was also a man of integrity.  Dad always did what he said he would do.  He lived a life worthy of God.  And while the benefits weren’t monetary, to my young 18 year old self, getting a job just on the basis of my Dad’s character made a huge impression on me.

I hope that one day my kids will be able to say the same about me–that their mom was a person who lived her life with integrity and kindness and always a smile to share.

Karen and Dad

Phil. 1:6:  Have confidence that He who began a good work in you will continue it until the day of Christ Jesus.