You Can Do It

Photo image courtesy Pixabay

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. – 1 Timothy 4:12 (NKJV)

As a little girl, I loved playing store. Math came easily for me. So, naturally, I was drawn to anything dealing with money. Monopoly was my favorite game, and of course, I played the banker.

When I was in elementary school, my father and uncle owned a couple of western-wear and boot/shoe-repair stores. I could not wait for Saturdays! I would be ready and waiting early to go to work with daddy. To spend all day in a real store never felt like work to me.

I had finished a new storefront window display when an older gentleman came in. “Howdy, young lady,” he greeted. Giggling to myself that he called me—a 10-year-old—a lady, I replied, “How can I help you?” Reaching into the big pocket on the front of his bib overalls, he handed me a claim ticket. “I need to pick up my work boots, please, Miss.” Taking the claim ticket, I quickly went to the stock area and found the matching ticket stub on a pair of well-worn leather work boots. Ones that I recall spending extra time polishing after daddy had replaced the soles and heels. My dad and uncle were sticklers for exemplary customer service. Do a good job, be honest, fair, and kind, and they will tell others—a great life lesson.

I placed the once muddy, worn boots on the counter. Smiling up at the old man, I asked, “What do you think?” With a grin of his own, he let out a long, slow whistle of approval. Finishing off with a verbal “purr-dee!” The pride of a job well done by my daddy, not to mention my expert shining skills, was quickly squelched when the old man handed me a crisp $100 dollar bill to pay for a $12.50 service. I was shocked and unsure what to do.

Big bills may be common today, but 50 years ago, in the small town I grew up in, kids only saw them in the game of Monopoly.

Daddy was behind the back counter, working on another pair of boots. With eyes the size of saucers, I turned to get my dad’s attention. He clicked the machine off to hear me. “You okay?” He asked. Trying to whisper to him, though failing miserably, I pointed to the big bill pleading for his help. “You can count to 100, can’t you?” He asked. “Trembling, I replied, “Yes, sir.”

Looking at the machine, then quickly glancing back at me, he said, “You can do it.” With that, he flipped the machine on and went back to work.

It turns out, I did know how to count to 100. The overly exaggerated wink and a “well done, little lady” from the old man still warms my heart a half a century later.

That lesson in self-confidence was one of many life lessons my earthly father taught me. When I lacked faith, my daddy’s faith in me carried me through. Isn’t that like our heavenly Father? He loves us so much that He continues to teach and grow us…even when we feel unworthy.

Questions for Reflection:

1. What life lesson has your earthly father or father figure taught you?

2. Self-confidence or pride? Which one do you need the heavenly Father to help you with?

3. How can you encourage the youth in your life?