What I’ve Learned From My Dad
My father was not a perfect man, yet when I talk about him many people might just think that. Here are a couple of reasons why. My dad, by his example, taught me many lessons in life that enable me to deal with situations in godly ways. I am very grateful and appreciative of the things Dad showed me day in and day out. Here are some of the things he taught me by words and actions.
Dad taught me to never be afraid to admit when you are wrong. We all are wrong at different times. Even if you are wrong only 10% of the time, you are wrong 100% of that 10%.
He also taught me to ask for forgiveness and extend it. Life is too short to hold on to bitterness It will end up destroying you. Also, you will be in need of forgiveness some time too.
My dad taught me the importance of nurturing my relationship with God. I would wake up in the morning and find my dad reading his Bible and praying. This was a constant discipline in his life. To this day, he will ask me from time to time if I am reading the Bible and praying. He will say that it is the key to everything else. He also taught me the importance of putting God first in all of your decisions. He taught me the importance of honoring God with tithes and offerings. My father would get paid on Monday morning, and he would take the tithes and offering and put it in a cottage cheese cup that was located in the right cupboard, then give it in the offering at church the next Sunday.
He taught me how to treat women. I have two sisters and, of course, my mom. He never belittled them, never gave the impression that they were anything less than valuable, cherished persons. He would continually do acts of kindness that would make life easier for them and make them feel special. My father and mother would have celebrated 58 years on June 10th.
He taught me how to work. My father, when he was in graduate school and was looking for work to support his family, went to a construction site and told the foreman that he would work for a day free of charge, and at the end of the day if the foreman felt that my dad couldn’t help him, he didn’t have to pay him anything. Well, guess what? At the end of the day, my father had a job and was able to support his family.
I could go on, but let me give you just one more.
In recent days, he’s teaching me how to handle the death of someone you love deeply. I have watched my father in these past few weeks and have seen how he has relied heavily on his relationship with God. I have called him in the morning and asked him what he was doing. He said, “I am encouraging myself in the Lord.” He was reading the Bible as well as articles on heaven. He has told me that though he misses Mom and grieves her loss, he refuses to look inward. He says, “That would lead me down a path I don’t want to go.”
Fathers are so important. I believe with all of my heart the first impression that we get of God is through our own earthly father. I know there are no perfect fathers here on earth, but our actions do speak louder than words. So the question is, “What am I teaching my kids? About God? About work? About relationships? Remember, more is caught than taught .
Happy Fathers Day! Be sure to let your father know that you are thankful for him and love him, even though he doesn’t always get it right.
