The Gift

Guest post by Brian Logsdon (author bio at end of post)

I recall a story from Dad when I may have been a young teen. Working in a construction office, there were always salesmen coming in to peddle some gadget or other, and giving gifts to the people who might be in charge of buying for the company. Dad never took any of these gifts, thinking perhaps that although he was responsible for a lot of the company finances, he didn’t actually do the buying.

Maybe some of the other guys weren’t in the office that day, but when a salesman came handing out a small electric broiler, Dad decided that just maybe this was his turn to accept one of these gifts. There was a hesitation in his voice, though, as if there was something “not quite right” about it. As an early teen, I remember thinking “Go for it, Dad!” Maybe I had envisioned Dad as a bit of a softie – something I admire, now, but perhaps not then in my eager adolescence.  I don’t remember much else about the story, or even if the broiler made it home. I just remember that he had decided it was his turn.

I never knew that I would be in construction later in my life, but that is how it unfolded. I had my share of “electric broilers” offered to me by salesmen and I don’t think I ever hesitated to take one of them. Until, that is, that a salesman seemed to think I owed him something for joining him in a round of golf. I flashed back to this story in the history of Dad. I could still sense the hesitation Dad had about it, even as he accepted the gift. I think I rediscovered what might seem to be a compromise of values – something Dad would never do. Dad (and Mom) always taught us not to compromise our values, although they always gave us the freedom to do just that. I know I learned some lessons the hard way as I grew into the man I am today.

I wonder at times what story I am teaching my son. I have watched him “hang back” a little at times, and I think – and sometimes say – “Go for it, Son!” And even as the words pass by in my mind, I wonder why I am prompted to speak that, why I am not content to allow my Son just to be whoever he decides to be. My Dad (and Mom) always seemed to allow me to be who I thought I needed to be, and merely led by example – great example.

I may still feel Dad’s hand on my shoulder, cautioning me not to compromise my values, my name, my principles – but I know that all of that guidance came from a place of immense heart overflowing with love. I learned to love from Dad and Mom. And it is this foundation that has carried me to this place and time I now find myself, still learning to allow, still learning to keep loving no matter what, still remembering to be the man that I want myself to be.

Thanks Dad! I am proud to look in the mirror and see you smiling back!

About the Author: Brian enjoys his 4D time as a Project Manager, a Writer, and a Father. “Writing is the way that Spirit guides me to be a leader”.  See more of Brian’s writings at God is Writing and at Living Las Vegas

(Photo credit: Amy)