Dad at the Burbank airport in California

Longevity Secrets from the Life of Bill Pritchett

You will prosper (it will go beautifully for you) and live a long, full life if you honor your parents. Ephesians 6:3 TPT

“Dad was the most successful man I ever knew,” my brother said a few days after Dad moved to Heaven.

When I asked him to give more details he continued to talk about a man who always did what he wanted. His main desire was to serve the Lord and he did that with great gusto and energy.

The dictionary defines success as gaining wealth and being famous. The Scriptures define the meaning of true success and Dad’s life show the blessing of living for others. He knew the definition of true wealth when he said,

I love what he would say every time you told him, “I love you, Dad.”

“I’ll take that to the bank,” was his response.

Dad’s relationship with money was amazing. He laughed about being “scotch.” He rarely spent money on himself so he could have money to give away. He carried a $20 bill in his wallet at all times and looked for the person to give it to. Many told me about the impact Dad’s generosity had on their lives because of that sense of releasing the gift at just the right time.

My parents traveled the world with a purpose. They served as missionaries in Nicaragua, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Spain. They went many places and stayed with friends as they ministered to the lives of others. They made friends as they traveled.

I don’t remember Dad writing down his goals or talking about what he needed to get done. He did certain things consistently (prayer, Bible reading and memorization). He went to church every time the doors opened because he usually was the one opening those doors. He loved to preach and did so with energy and conviction. He loved people and was surrounded by those who loved him up until his last day on this earth.

I agree with my brother that Dad was the most successful man I have ever met. I want to be like him when I grow up.

Longevity Secret #22:

Find true wealth in deep relationships and consistent disciplines that deepen your relationship with the Lord. Share freely and leave a legacy of love.

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.