What I Learned from My Father's Life, and from His Death

Since my dad's death, a mere three days before 2017 began, I've been remembering all the many things he taught me, the many invaluable lessons he shared by example and by word. Even in his death, I was, am still learning from my dad.

Following are 10 of the most important lessons I've learned from my dad's life and his death:

1. Life can change really drastically in an instant—in a twinkling of an eye really. When you find a good thing, are gifted with a wonderful experience, hold on to it as tight as you can for as long as you can. Fully appreciate it, savor it, cherish it, and be grateful for it. 
2. Time spent with those you love is never wasted time. Be totally present with them.
3. People don’t always remember you for the things you do or the words that you say, but they always remember you because of the way you made them feel when they were in your presence.
4. Your past really does not have to define your future. My dad was an ordained minister as well as one of NSA's top research analyst during the 60s and 70s, owned his own home and several cars, established his own church, was an avid and proficient reader, and earned both a master's and doctorate degree (while in his late 70s). Not too bad for a black man raised by an illiterate single mom and his grandmother, who were living in extreme poverty in the southern U.S. during Jim Crow segregation.
5. It doesn't cost you anything to greet people with a smile and a "hello"—those you know and those you don't.
6. Treat everyone you encounter with kindness and respect because you never know who God will place along your path again to help you when you find yourself in need of help.
7. Knowledge and wisdom are among your greatest assets. Knowledge gives you awareness and understanding of a thing; wisdom guides you in how best to use the knowledge you have. Pursue them both relentlessly.
8. If you believe you have wronged someone, or believe someone has wronged you, it's on you to set things right by asking for forgiveness or giving it. Unforgiveness held in the heart eats away at the soul. (I'm still working on this one, daddy.)
9. Without a vision, the people perish. (He quoted this often. It's from Proverbs 29:18)
10. Be a living epistle—let the manner in which you daily live your life speak for you.