A Person of Character

What is the character of a person?  I recently heard someone define character as "doing the right thing, even when no one is looking."  This definition rings very true to me.  It is one word I would use to describe both of my parents.  They were people of great character.  While reading in one of my mom's journals, I came across an entry that confirmed what I already knew about their character.  The journal entry is dated March 15, 1988.  To let you see the whole picture, let me give you a bit of background information.  By this time in my parents lives, they have been retired for a number of years, no longer active in the school system as teachers.  Yet read what my Mom wrote:


"Mar. 15--Returned $95.45 to York P.T.O.  Money was discovered while searching thru a desk drawer."


How many years that money had been in that drawer, I don't know.  What I do know is that my parents had not been involved with the local PTO for years.  No one knew that they had that money.  No one would have known if they had kept it.  But it was not their money so it must be returned to its rightful owner.  That is the type of parents mine were; if it's not yours, return it to the owner, don't keep it.  What a legacy to know that my parents did what was right, even when no one was watching.  The reason behind this kind of character is that they always knew WHO was watching them.  My parents loved Jesus and their lives reflected Him.  What does your life reflect?  Are you a person of character?  It makes me stop and think.  That is the type of person I want to be, even when no one seems to be watching.  I know WHO is watching.  Do you?


John 12:46  "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness."


Reflect His light.

Just Some Thoughts

I didn't realize until today how long it has been since I posted here.  The days are a blur of busyness that sometimes doesn't really matter.  Since Mom passed, life has changed yet remains the same.  We get up everyday, work, eat, sleep and do it all again without much thought.  I find myself going through my day and never once thinking about her.  Then other days, she is all I can think of.  She is greatly missed.  Her spirit lives on through each of her children and spills over onto her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was such a great influence in our lives.  The things I learned from her, I use daily.  I learned to cook, sew, clean, and love others from her.  Mom had the gift of hospitality and her home was always open to whoever stopped by.  This gift is evident if each of her children.  Some of us seem to have a larger portion of it but we each have it.  I love visiting Ohio because I know that my brother's house will become a hospitality center, not just for me, but for anyone who is within shouting distance.  Good food will be made, laughter will resound from the walls, hugs will greet everyone and contentment will be felt.  With Valentine's Day arriving next week, dig deep into your bag of "gifts", find hospitality and share it with those you love.  The memories you make, will carry you through the times when you need a bit of encouragement.  Thank you Mom, and the rest of my family, for good memories.