Walking in My Father’s Wisdom
Connie Hill of Richmond, VA, USA
When your willingness to live in sacred community as Christ’s new creation exceeds your natural fear of spiritual and relational transformation, you will become who you are called to be. The rise of Zion the beautiful, the peaceful reign of Christ, awaits your whole-hearted response to the call to make and steadfastly hold to God’s covenant of peace in Jesus Christ. -Doctrine and Covenants 164:9b
Now having lived at least half a century and reflecting on conversations with my now departed father, I am so very grateful for his guidance in many ways. Moreover, and most important, my gratitude really stems from the core of my father’s guiding hand, our Father in heaven as etched in Matthew 6:9 “…Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
I recall memories of those important early years: riding with my father on his tractor as he plowed fields in Tennessee while enjoying the company of his only daughter, being scolded, being given a beautiful doll at Christmas. He was a tall, robust man. He also gave me “the talk” about boys during the turbulent teen years. He taught me to maintain good credit and to keep the oil changed in my car during my college years as he helped me buy my first vehicle.
I am most appreciative of his guidance, alongside my mother, in leading me and my siblings to the Lord and to depend on the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 teaches fathers to bring children up “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” He taught about knowing our heavenly Father and heeding God’s words.
Though attending church in my early years seemed somewhat ritualistic to me, I still sensed the importance of listening to what was being said. I sought to be a better person and to strive for the goal of joining our heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, in heaven forevermore.
My father grew in his relationship with the Lord during the latter part of his life. I recall his many comments on the challenge of living his best for the Lord because of being human. He would emphasize this challenge for all of humankind. I am forever grateful for the best gift I received from my earthly father, the gift of the knowledge of God and how to live a life of purpose.
Prayer Phrase
Let your world of beauty capture me.
Spiritual Practice
Growing a Gracious, Generous Heart
Open your heart to God’s grace and generosity with a “breath prayer.” Let your breathing slow and deepen. Be aware of God’s breath moving in and out of your heart. Spend several minutes focusing on breathing in God’s generosity. With each breath, silently name one gift for which you are thankful. Let your heart expand to contain God’s gracious outpouring of love. With each breath out, name one gift you want to share from the overflow of your heart.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
