Longevity Secrets from the Life of Bill Pritchett

Banish bitterness, rage and anger, shouting and slander, and any and all malicious thoughts—these are poison. Instead, be kind and compassionate. Graciously forgive one another just as God has forgiven you through the Anointed, our Liberating King. Ephesians 4:32 VOICE

One day on my daily call to Dad, I could tell he was agitated.

“What’s going on, Daddy?” I asked with concern.

“Something happened today when I leaving the Post Office,” he replied slowly.

“Is everyone okay?” I asked.

“Well, they are now but I was concerned at first. As I got in my car I noticed an odd looking fellow on a bike go by me. Then as I put the car in reverse and backed up I heard a big thump. When I got out of the car there was a woman on the ground who was saying that I had hit her,” he told me.

“Go on,” I said slowly.

“I didn’t know what to do but then the little guy on the bike said to her, ‘You tried to trick him. He never hit you. I saw the whole thing and you made it all up.’ The lady got up and sat on the curb,” he continued.

“What happened next, Dad?” I asked.

“She shook her fist at the odd-looking fellow and, as I went over to talk to her, the odd-looking fellow on the bike took off. I didn’t see anymore of him. She turned to me and said, ‘You must go to church.’ I told her that I loved Jesus and prayed for her. I felt so bad for her that she felt she needed to do something like that,” he said.

“I sure am glad there was a witness that protected you,” I replied.

“Say, do you think that odd-looking fellow on the bike was an angel?” he asked. “I kept looking for him so I could thank him for saving my future driving.”

“He might have been, Daddy,” was my answer.

That incident is one of many examples of the fruit of the Spirit called kindness in action in Dad’s life. Instead of being angry at the woman who was trying to pretend he hit her with the car, he prayed for her.

In the weeks to follow, Dad shared his angel story with everyone who would listen. He lived in the small town in Northern California for several more years and was surprised that he never saw the “odd looking fellow” that had served as a witness. This allowed him to drive for a few more years and he was thankful.

The picture connected with this post shows our family with other missionaries when we lived in Nicaragua. It was a tough country for many missionaries and we often got together with others to share a meal and pray for each other. Dad made sure that on holidays all were invited to share a meal with us so they would not have to be alone. Mom managed to make the food stretch no matter how many showed up.

Longevity Secret #11:

Extend kindness to everyone you meet – especially those who do not deserve it – because you never know what they are going through.

This post is part of the Write 31 Days 2019 challenge. Click here to find more longevity secrets.

Author, speaker, corporate trainer, ordained minister and Hope Catalyst, Karen Sebastian enjoys sharing her rich life experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world. Her books will inspire you to embrace hope no matter what you are going through. As a caregiver and widow she took brave steps forward to fulfill God’s calling on her life. She has now remarried and enjoys her new hubby and spending time with their children and grandchildren. To increase hope and improve relationships with yourself and those that you love, check out her Facebook page – The Power of Hope.