12 years ago, my parents sat at the kitchen table on one of my darkest days, and Dad, in rare form, talked about a particular passage of scripture that was so fitting of my situation. I doubt he remembers, but it was a profound conversation and has stuck with me all these years.

And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. – Ephesians 4:26-30 (emphasis thanks to Dad)

If you know my Dad at all, you know that he is quiet and a man of few words, polar opposite of my Mom. I suppose that is one reason they worked well together. Mom did the talking, Dad did the listening. Even when Mom would hand Dad the phone, “Here, talk to your daughter,” Dad did more of the listening while I babbled on about the week’s events.

He doesn’t say a lot, and he never has, so when he has something to say, his family listens. It has always been that way…

Today, I am grateful for that conversation 12 years ago on one of my darkest days.

I am grateful for memory recall.

I am grateful for the reminder that words matter.

I am grateful my Dad listens – internally and externally.

I am grateful for the times when Dad has something to say.

I am grateful for another Father’s Day with him.

And I am grateful that putting a puzzle together is right down his alley: it doesn’t require too many words – just a little time, mediocre eyesight, and Delmar-like patience.