Behavioral traits can be genetically transferred from generation to generation just as physical traits are transferred. That is the conclusion I have come to in this season of my life. How else can I explain how much more like my mom and dad I become with each passing year. When I examine my traits at sixty four, I can trace many of them back to my parents.

My dad sang Christmas carols year round. Everywhere except around other people. He loved to sing but he would not sing in public. He stopped singing in public the day a teacher stopped a song and singled him out for criticism because he was singing louder than anyone else. On pitch and in rhythm and with gusto.

Whenever I am in public and singing is involved, if my daughter is with me, she will implore me not to sing with gusto. She has experienced the “singing loud for all to hear” paternal genetic trait up close and it makes her cringe. An irony is that my son-in-law, Tim, who shares our last name but as far as we can determine is not from the same family tree, shares the trait!

Make a positive difference in someone’s life. Remember to be kind, gentle and compassionate with your words. It matters.