Three Important Words
If my father happened to still be alive, he might wonder if I ever listened to anything he said. I am now a grandfather (and have been by the time you read this) for twenty-two years. At this point in my life, I wish I had listened more closely to my dad. I know that I’m not the only person to say something like this, but it seems that my father has certainly gotten a lot smarter the older I get.
As shocking as it might seem to him, I have really tried to heed one piece of advice he gave me. Dad would probably be really shocked if he knew that I’ve tried to make it a part of what I guess could be called a philosophy of life. Those who know me well will attest to the fact that I am nowhere near perfect in living up to what my dad told me. While that is true, what they may or may not know is that it is always in my mind. Sometimes, it motivates me. At other times, there is regret.
My father’s advice can be summed up in three very short, but very important words:
and then some
Here are just a few of the ways those three words can be used:
- Do what your boss asks you to do and then some.
- Be sure to do the assignment your teacher gave you to do and then some.
- Attempt to be the kind of person you think your spouse deserves and then some.
- Try to do what it takes to be a good neighbor and then some.
- Complete tasks you’ve been asked to do or for which you volunteer and then some.
I think that these few examples will give you the idea. My dad was trying to teach me to do more than to merely meet minimum requirements. He was trying to instill in me a way of life that went way beyond that. My father wanted me to do all I could to exceed what others might require or even expect of me.
As I look back on all of that, I realize that dad wasn’t too interested in comparing what I did or did not do with what my classmates, teammates, etc. were or were not doing. He just wanted me to do the best that I could do. I’m thankful for that.
I’m also thankful for something else. I’m thankful for the fact that I have another Father who sets the example in far surpassing minimum requirements. When Paul was writing about Him, he wrote that He is…
…able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think… (Eph. 3:20, ESV)
I’m grateful for my earthly father’s advice. To the extent that I’ve heeded it, I think it has made me a better person.
I’m even more grateful for my Heavenly Father’s example. I blesses me now, motivates me go greater service, and will make a difference in eternity.
AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
