WWDS? (What Would Dad Say?)

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” -Ephesians 6:4

When I was growing up, Daddy had some interesting sayings. If one of us was a little too sassy or bull-headed, he responded, “If you’re feeling froggy, go ahead and jump.” When he approved of something we did, he’d say, “You done good, kid.”  His response to a pout was: “You can kiss that mad spot and get glad.” And when he had a handful of bad cards during a rummy game, he’d laugh and exclaim, “Trash! Trash, and more trash!” But there’s one expression from his repertoire I’ve discovered I unwittingly repeat often: “That is correct information.”

This revelation came when my seven-year-old niece said it to me one day. I asked her, “Where did you hear that?” She responded, “You. You say it all the time.” When I finished laughing at myself, I explained to her that my dad used to say it to us when we were kids and had asked for confirmation of something. But more significant than all of Dad’s humorous expressions are the words he said most often : “I love you.” 

He freely gave those words every time we talked and I knew he meant them. Often along with them he would offer a word of encouragement or affirmation and sometimes a Bible verse. But always, always, he told me he loved me and was proud of me. I am grateful to have had such a kind and generous and wise father whose unfailing love pointed me to my heavenly Father and established a firm foundation for my life.