Shrimpers, My Dad, & Kindness
Back Bay, Fort Myers Beach, FL
As a kid, I spent many pre-dawn mornings driving out to the island with my dad. I’d stay awake just long enough to finish my chocolate milk and Hostess cupcakes from our routine Circle K stop. Soon we’d cross the “big bridge” from mainland to Island and arrive at the Fort Myers Beach Island Deli, my folks’ place.
Fort Myers Beach, FL is an active shrimp port on the Gulf of Mexico. Along our morning journey out to the Island we would often pass men along the road heading back to the docks. I remember my dad pulling over and saying “where you heading?” and just like that, we’d have another passenger, and a little boy would begin another life lesson.
If you’ve seen the crew from Deadliest Catch, you’ll have a good picture of these men. They are an interesting brotherhood. Rugged water cowboys – often caught between homeless and boat-less. But what my dad saw was another man, just like him, who didn’t necessarily need his help, but maybe needed a ride. My dad respected them, was interested in what they did and I saw them come to life when he talked to them and asked questions.
Whether shrimper, stranger, or friend I learned the practice of kindness from watching my dad. Watching him place a God-value on people by seeing past exteriors to see the image of their creator. Even in showing kindness he showed me the difference in undermining and uplifting – the difference in giving to receive and giving to give. Caring for people because they are there, not for why they’re there for you. True kindness.
This kind of kindness is a fruit of the spirit that only comes from knowing God’s love and sharing it with others. I hope I can do this in my life as well as I’ve gotten to see my dad do it in his, and that my kids see it too.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…
Galatians 5:22-23
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you. Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.
Proverbs 3:3
Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.
Proverbs 11:17
So true.
Well said, Steve. Growing up, I remember thinking that you were always a paragon of kindness, exhibiting it in a way that a high schooler really wasn’t supposed to understand yet. Having come to know your dad over the last couple of years, it’s evident where you learned it. Great job giving credit where it’s due, and should Steve Sr. be asked where he learned it, I’m quite sure he would do the same, all while giving glory to the supreme model of dying to self, his – and your – Jesus.
It is amazing how much we teach when we don’t even know we are teaching. Your dad is the kindest man I know, and I know him pretty well. You are a chip off the old block. Love your blog.
Steve this is an awesome tribute to your dad ! I see where you have already have his gift of kindness ! Sometimes others have to let one know because of ones humbleness ! Christ in you and your dad ! Eddie