Takeaways
My Dad died when I was 26. I have already lived more days than him.
There were many questions still to be asked. So much I wanted to learn.
He was smart. But it was quiet and unassuming, so I took it for granted.
My wife and children never had to privilege of knowing him. They know him through me.
The more questions they ask, the more I realize how much I did learn. Especially since I learn better from actions than I do from words.
Here are a few takeaways that so influence my life today, years after his passing -
- be kind
- quietness can be a strength
- never draw attention to yourself
- help quietly
- give quietly
- the best sermon you can ever preach is in the way you treat others
- show respect
- love nature
- work with your hands and you will be satisfied
- laugh
- work is a vital part of our being - don’t avoid it or try to get out of it. Embrace it as a gift and opportunity. Be thankful for it
- whatever you do, do it to the best of YOUR abilities, not someone else’s
- work hard. It is fulfilling
- I will make mistakes. And that’s ok. Learn from them
- I will make bad choices. And that’s ok. Learn from them
- but best of all, he showed me a life of faith
The list could go on. But this is enough to make me realize how much he still influences my life today.
And how much I miss him.
What do I want my family to see in me?
Much of what I saw in him.
