Therefore, what manner of men ought you to be?

by Shauna Brown           
     
        Every morning , my father would open the kitchen window wide, breathe in the fresh morning air and then announce aloud, “It’s a beautiful day!  Oh, what a beautiful morning.”  Frequently I expected him to go into a musical rendition of Oklahoma. It was as if he wanted the world and everyone around to appreciate it and take note.   I loved waking up to Daddy. 
        Our family had little need for alarm clocks, as daddy was consistent and punctual in making his proclamation. I smile just thinking about it, just thinking about him.    
        Can you imagine it? Waking up each day to a positive person that had great expectations and outlook for the day? Even if it was raining outside --it was still beautiful. If storm clouds surrounded the house--it was beautiful. If snow had nearly frozen the window shut-- it was still beautiful.  Daddy clearly loved life and shared of his appreciation freely. I can never recall a morning growing up that wasn’t started out with a positive greeting.  
    Years after, even when my father had the debilitating, Parkinson’s Disease and could barely move he tried his best to instill within us his positive nature. Through difficulties he smiled. He kept trying. 
           I remember hearing my Sunday School Teacher, Don Harris, share that we learn the most in our lives from worthy examples. He asked the class if we knew of someone who was a  good example.  I  immediately thought of my father. He had been such a good model of manhood to many.  
    In my book of life he has numerous chapters. Daddy was a tender, sensitive, devoted and loving husband. He was a wonderful provider.  He was honest in his dealings and was described by many as Mr. Integrity. Daddy loved his children and I knew with every fiber within me that he loved the Lord.  He honored his Priesthood and served faithfully for years, so many years that I only recall sitting on the church bench a couple of times with him. Gratefully, in my life I have been blessed to be inspired and motivated by my Father.   Truly he followed the supreme exemplar.  Which leads me to ponder upon the scripture when the Lord questioned: “Therefore, what manner of men ought you to be?  Verily I say unto you, even as I am. “  
     The Apostle Paul provides great indicators of what manner of men: “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Then came the concluding charge: “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”   
               Oh, I feel gratitude that I have been surrounded by some pretty incredible men in my life.  They have stood upon the shoulders of their fathers. Fathers who asked themselves, “ What manner of men ought I to be? and strived diligently to be positive examples.  I have brothers, uncles, grandfathers, sons, and to top it off, I have a wonderful husband who I think stands as worthy example to many.   
        Happy Fathers Day to all the men who have sought to live up to their divine potential, who open the windows to discovery, and inspire us to step up and lead.

Enjoy your Sabbath
Love to all
Shauna