Leave an Impression that lasts
I’ve thought about my father the last few days. Dad passed away right after I graduated from college and just before I started my first ministry job. That was about thirty-nine years ago. I still miss him. Dad was a fun character who loved to laugh. He was also brilliant and resourceful. As an inventor, Ralph designed the fastest bottle and tableware forming machine in the world. Not bad for a kid who only made it through the eighth grade. He also won my heart when he returned from work on Friday nights and told the family to hop in the car. The Hamilton family would forage for a few dozen White Castle sliders. I still love those things! Joseph Ralph Hamilton made a lifelong impression on me in a plethora of ways.
There is presently a series of hilarious commercials about how, as we age, we become like our parents. Without our knowledge, we display the same quirks and habits that drove us crazy about mom and dad when we were young. I don’t think this phenomenon is all that bad. Our parents’ or caregivers’ influence upon us leaves permanent impressions like handprints in concrete.
How can your relationship with someone be so profound that you still miss their presence thirty-nine years later? What a lasting impression!
Dad once built a large concrete patio at our lake cottage in northern Indiana. While the concrete was still wet, he asked me to place my hands in the wet mixture. I thought that idea was fantastic and gladly complied. If that concrete still exists, Donnie Hamilton’s handprints do as well. Some things leave a lasting impression. Such is the outcome of those people who pour into us. Their investment in us permanently impacts our existence. As long as we live, the deep impression remains. The same principle applies when we contribute to the development of others in our networks.
Dad taught me how to fish. By that, I don’t mean “catch” fish. He taught me how to change the oil and brakes on my car and keep a garage orderly and clean. I learned how to treat my wife. This “self-made” man taught me how to work hard and smart. Persistence and perseverance were marks of this farm boy from central Indiana. There are secrets to suffering with integrity. Dad uncovered them as his lungs slowly stopped drawing oxygen. Nothing seemed impossible for my father. Struggling for years with emphysema, dad showed that debilitating diseases could not prevent one from changing the world through prayer. Anyone can pray anytime, and prayer changes things. I know how to love my children due to the old man’s example. He taught me how to make mistakes and go on anyway. He taught me that God forgives. He taught me that death is only a short passage to real life.
No wonder my dad made a lasting impression on me. I intend to do the same for those whom God brings across my path. How about you? Do you think about the image you are leaving upon the lives of those God brings into your story?
Some did not leave such a good impression upon me. Their images are also forever etched in my mind. I remember that I once had a boss who found out that I had become a Christian. He was supposed to be a Christian, too, although I think it was just a religion for him. He used to greet me with “f . . . you” every morning for work just to see if he could get a rise out of me. Most days, I just blew it off. Others, not so much. Amazing, that scene is still etched in my mind forty-two years later. It is sad to think that someone can have an equally negative impact on your life. But it’s true.
So once again, I ask, what impression are you leaving on the folks God brings across your path?” Jesus left such an impression upon His followers’ lives that they went to their graves, living out the lessons He taught them. I’m doing the same with the enlightenment dad provided me. I’m also doing the same with the wisdom Jesus left me through His chronicle in the Bible.
I hope someone will write about the positive impression you left on their life after you are long past from this side of heaven. Why not start placing your hands in the concrete today with as many people as you can? Who knows, maybe they could write a whole book about you! I certainly could about dad.
P.S. I’d love to hear a story about someone who left a deep impression upon you. Take a few moments and comment on this blog on my website, www.donmarkhamilton.com, or simply email me at don@donmarkhamilton.com.
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Thanks!
