A Father’s Advice for 2023

Pass It On is a new, bi-weekly peek inside the heart and mind of Francis Pass…

“Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and good cheer.” - Psalms 94:19

I rely on that passage like a newborn relies on mothers’ milk. In fact, I committed that bible verse to memory.

As I look back on 2022, I’m reminded of a few lessons that my father taught me. I’ve committed these to memory, too.

My father would tell me, “Son, in life there are drivers and there are passengers. You get to decide which one you want to be.”

I reckon that’s why I’ve always been ambitious. However, ambition without a goal is nothing more than a dream.

So as we begin 2023, ask yourself... do you want to be a driver or a passenger? You get to decide.

Dad would also say, “In life there are givers and takers. You can always give and you can always take, but you cannot be a pure taker.”

Now, this one doesn’t need much interpretation. Is your hand outstretched to give more than it is to receive?

Might I suggest in 2023 that you extend a helping hand to a particular person or place. You’ll soon see it helps you as much as it helps them.

This year, I’m gonna take inventory of the blessings in my life, and I’m gonna praise God for all he has entrusted to me.

I think I’m gonna memorize a few more bible verses, too.

What will you commit to memory in 2023?

Be well. Stay well. Happy New Year.

Francis Pass

P.S. – In Sunday school, I learned of a lady named Janet Pope who committed seventeen books of the bible to memory. That is truly admirable.