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You know the old statement about any apple not falling too far from it's tree, well as much as we may like to say it not true it generally is, at least within some areas of our lives. I am very different then both my parents in many ways, but in some ways I am obviously their son.

My desire to always be 10 minutes early is really just a modified behavior of my parents always being 20 to 30 minutes early. They are getting better over time, my dad use to show up at events 30 minutes early and be frustrated because the people were not ready, but they are still never late. On time is LATE in my world.

After 11+ years of being with my wife (both dating and married), she is still trying to learn that. Her family is not as focused on timeliness. On Sunday morning’s when we ride together, you will always find me waiting on the sofa for her because we are suppose to leave at 9AM, not 9:10, or 9:15 or 9:20. I tell her I want to leave at 8:50, hoping that she will be ready by 9. She does not even have her shoes on at 9AM more then 10% of the time. After getting her shoes on she still has to pick her jewelry, find the stuff she wants to take (why she does not get it ready the night before like me I do not know...ARG!!!), and then we have to say good bye to the dogs. I handle it better then my dad, he pouts and is grumpy for days if you are not on time, I just mention it on the way to church, and hope next week it will be better.

Another classic example of my family genes happened at Best Buy. I have been part of over 10 computers being bought at Best Buy. Usually it is for a friend or family member that wants me to help them pick a new system. I have yet to have a good experience with the computer department there. You stand there, they walk by about 20 times (on the weekend they have three people working, and one of them normally is a trainee, and 50 customers waiting to buy...they need some more staff). Anyway I am too the point now that I discourage people from buying computers there. You can get the same deals at Circuit City, CompUSA, Frey’s, and other stores. I only go to Best Buy to get stuff that I can get myself, and carry out without assistance. After the story below you will know why.

When my mother bought her computer my father was with us at Best Buy. He has hearing aids, and in noisy situations he really is uncomfortable. He wants to get out of there ASAP, and that is understandable. Of course we are left standing there waiting for someone to go up the ladder to get the system my mom wants for 15 minutes. That is after 20 minutes of looking, and no one coming to help us. As normal there were 50 customers and two workers. As we are standing there my dad says in a short, frustrated tone - "What are we waiting for?" I tell him to get someone to go up the ladder, and get the computer box. I point too it. Dad, about 68 at the time, says ok, and then begins to go up the ladder.

My mom was horrified, I was shocked, my wife was hurting from having to stand for so long, and a Best Buy employee was there in about 2 seconds telling us we could not do that. I pointed out to him that there was no sign saying we could not, and there was not, and that we had been standing by the ladder for 15 minutes. He was not happy, but once we got dad down, the kid quickly got the system and began the extended warranty sale. I shut that down quickly, and we were off.

My mom was mumbling that she could not believe what Dad did. I told her that I was surprised, but I could understand it. We quickly paid, got the computer home and my parents swore they would never go to Best Buy again, at least on a weekend. I am not even sure they have ever gone back in the store, and that was three+ years ago now.

Well a few weeks later I was there buying a computer for myself. Similar situation with the delay and waiting beside the ladder. This time it was just my wife and I though. My wife jokingly said - "Well if your dad was here he would go up the ladder." I said that was true, and then I began to go up the ladder. This apple did not fall far from the tree.

Five seconds later I had a Best Buy employee there, and after a similar conversation about there being no sign, and a quick trip by him up the ladder I had my computer. We skipped the warranty speech again with a similar one line response - Something roughly like - "I can fix it quicker then you all would get the part" - which was and is true.

Anyway this time my wife was the one shocked at my actions. We quickly checked out, and agreed to never buy a computer for ourselves at Best Buy again. I am sure Best Buy corporate is happy to know that none of the males in my family will be frequenting their computer department. I did notice the addition of signs about not using the ladders yourself that last time I was in buying a CD though.
I know this has been a bit long to get too the point, but here it is. As much as I may try at times, the nature of my parents shows through in my life. It may be modified a bit, and I do have some major difference in certain parts of my personality from them, but anyone that knows them quickly knows I am their son. Their overall being pours out of my life into all that I touch.

That is exactly the way Christ calls us to be when you think about. We may be different then other believers, and in some ways significantly different, but people that know us should immediately see the attributes and actions of Christ pouring out of us. His people will be known by their actions, words, and ways. The visible manifestations of Christ in our habits is a significant way that we should be noticeable to the world.

We are specially chosen and set aside for the work of Christ. He indwells us, and by doing so becomes the significant molding force in our actions and lives. None that know His ways, be they lost or saved, should miss our relationship with Him. We are his fruit and He equips us for all that comes against us.

Have a great day, and allow Him to pour out of you in every relationship and encounter you have today.