I wake up each morning with a stiff back. Not really painful, but stiff. I think this is a result of a lot of lawn mowing, a mattress change, and not nearly enough stretching and real exercise, but it makes me think of my dad’s back and other hereditary matters.
I have Dad’s bad foot joints and his tendency to nerve entrapment around the elbow – the latter of which makes elbow and forearm massage feel like chocolate feels going down the gullet. I have this crazy, crackling shoulder just like Mom. Dad’s hair and coloring. And his neck tension. So far, no blood pressure problems like my paternal grandfather or diabetes like my maternal grandfather.
Speaking more psychologically and in terms of personality, I have inherited Mom’s serious bent, and a very verbal orientation that sometimes talks too much and likes to write, like both of them. I also thrive on activity and am often found in motion, which is like my mom. I have some issues with frustrated anger, and an inclination to withdraw, to some extent, when I am upset.
Thankfully, I would call attention to some deeply appreciated spiritual traits, among those I’ve inherited: devotion to scriptural authority, appreciation of high-quality worship material, a relatively apocalyptic worldview that frees me from lasting concern over such matters as national politics, and perception that enables me to connect aspects of a worship assembly as a planner and leader, and a reasonably good work ethic, although probably not as strong as that of my folks.
All the above I can trace to human parentage and grandparentage. What can I claim to have inherited from my heavenly Father?
Amy Grant’s now-“classic” song “My Father’s Eyes” should give many of us food for spiritual reflection.
