I was standing there staring at the ice cream section, tears welling up in my eyes. Not the ice cream-ice cream section, but the section where they keep the toppings like hot fudge, ice cream cones, and all the other yummy stuff to dress up your ice cream. I was not crying, but I was a second away from doing so. For years, I had passed by this section and never stopped to buy anything, but I always slowed down to look because it made me think of my beloved father. Reverend E. Phillip Terrell Sr. was a sweet, sweet man, not just because he was loving, kind, and generous but because he loved sweets, particularly ice cream. When we got ice cream, we got the works! As you can imagine, that makes for an incredible childhood. We used to have what he called parties. When he said, “Let's have a party,” my siblings and I knew exactly what that meant. We were about to get something delicious, hang out together, sing, dance, and fellowship; it was always great!

My father was an excellent cook and baker. He came up with so many incredible culinary creations. One of the most memorable treats that he made for us was fried Cheerios. Caution: Do not try these at home! Fried Cheerios are addictive and definitely not good for you, but they are delicious! Honey Nut Cheerios coated in butter and sugar, fried to brown butter perfection. Yes, I understand frying Cheerios defeats the purpose of the heart-healthy attribute, just don’t tell the folks at General Mills.

“You alright, mama?” my seven-year-old asked, interrupting my nostalgic moment.

“I'm fine,” I answered, wiping away the tear that had finally fallen.

“If you're fine, why are you staring at the ice cream stuff crying? Is it because you can't eat ice cream since it makes you sick?”

“No, babe,” I said, chuckling through my tears. That would actually be a legitimate reason to cry. “I was just thinking about my daddy, that's all. I miss him.”

My father went to be with the LORD when I was 16 years old, and after 28 years, there are things I will not do or say out of respect for him. He has been a tremendous influence on my life, even though at this point, he has been physically absent longer than he was present.

In Proverbs, Solomon speaks to his children with wisdom and advice, just as his father David had done. “Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding; For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law” (1-3). Solomon knew what he was talking about; indeed, he had been taught by the greatest King of Israel, David, chosen by God from his youth, flawed, but a man after God's own heart (1 Sam. 13:14). Solomon's children had good reason to heed his advice. The advice David had given him was from the Word of God. The wisest man to ever live, because he was wise enough to listen to his father. “When I was my father’s son,” Solomon shared with his children, “He also taught me, and said to me: ‘Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live. Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth” (3-5). King David taught his son well to fear the LORD and seek wisdom. Solomon was taught so well that when allowed to ask for anything of God, his only request was for wisdom (1 Kings 3:7). Now, he was in a position to teach his own children.

How priceless are the memories of a child with their father? Isn't it great when we can look back on the lessons our parents have taught with clarity and know for sure they were taught with wisdom and love? Unfortunately, not everyone gets to have an earthly father, whatever the reason may be. Nevertheless, there is good news. Our lessons can come straight from our Heavenly Father, read His Word, and let His Holy Spirit be your guide.

Fathers and mothers, teach your children. Let your godly life be the influence that carries them through, whether you are physically present or not. Teach them to love God. Teach them to reverence His Word. Teach them to pursue wisdom and understanding. They will listen, they will remember. They will pass those lessons on to their children.

I would have loved to have more time on earth with my father, but he was here just long enough to introduce me to Jesus Christ, teach me about God's love, and to trust in His Holy Word. Teach your children today. Tomorrow is not promised, but if you give them salvation through Jesus Christ and the wisdom of the Word of God, that will last them an eternity.