Words of Hope: Common Sense
Dad struggled with some forms of common sense—like when he accidentally shot my mom’s dog (no, it did not die) while trying to warn off a woodpecker that was destroying our house. But Dad had uncommon common sense when it came to relationships with his family. He knew what to do and what to say to bring our family through difficulty and bring us closer together. Have you ever read the news or experienced a family who harms each other more in crisis and thought to yourself, what were those people thinking? Chances are they weren’t. They reacted rather than acted sensibly. They lacked either peace— “I just didn’t know what to do,” or they lacked self-responsibility–“It wasn’t my role, so-and-so was in charge, I was just doing what I was told.” These two qualities: peace and self-responsibility, bring wisdom to the forefront. Dad excelled at both.
One of the saddest aspects of Dad being gone is that I can’t call him for his sage advice. His common sense in difficulty helped me more times than I could count.
“Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore, get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” – Proverbs 4:6-7
