My late father had a plethora of dad-isms that I grew up thinking were common to everyone’s vernacular. Now I look back and realize I was one of the ‘privileged’ ones - blessed to be party to his secret wisdom.
I treasure those ‘isms’ now as I recall them and pay them forward to my children. Things like….”that boy doesn’t believe cow horns will hook!” Or – “if you’re bein’ rubbed the wrong way – you cats may need to turn around.” Or – one of my all-time favorites – when he wanted to communicate his absolute determination to get something done, he would often say – “I’m gonna get that done even if it hairlips the governor.” What? Oh well - whenever he used that one - I could be sure ’it’ would get done.
He often spoke of his determination to reach goals, take trips, finish projects. He had an uncanny ability to gather up his will, grab hold of those ‘ bootstraps,’ and climb the mountain at hand. I remember on many occasions during testimony time at our little church on the corner of Skyway and West Myers Street – he would say without reservation, “Folks, I’ve got a made-up mind.” He was referring, of course, to his unwavering determination to follow Jesus.
We would do well to have the same kind of mind – the made-up kind. In a world where absolute truth is often touted as unfriendly and traded for something a bit more palatable – a made-up mind, though unpopular – is a good thing to have. Of course, the made-up mind got its bad name from those who have been mean and stubborn over the years – those who lacked a teachable spirit. You have no doubt encountered these “my way or the highway” types. Dad was speaking more of backbone and gumption…..good ole basic resolve. Now there’s a word we can use.
There’s a time for mercy, a place for grading on the curve, and even a need to let some things slide from time to time. But, there are some things that need to remain “non-negotiable.” I know what those things are for me. There are some lines I will not cross. There are some commitments I absolutely must keep. There are some truths that shall forever remain.
In 2 Corinthians 10 – Paul speaks of “taking thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ.” He used different words than my Dad – but he was talking about a “made-up mind.” It’s a great time of year to take inventory of our lives, straighten our spines, and arrest those ‘unruly’ thoughts and tell ‘em what’s what.
“I am resolved no longer to linger – charmed by the world’s delight. Things that are higher, things that are nobler – these have allured my sight. I am resolved to go to the Saviour – leaving my sin and strife. He is the True One, He is the Just One. He has the Words of Life. I will hasten to Him – hasten so glad and free. Jesus – Greatest, Highest – I will come to Thee.”
I’m right there with you, Dad.
