Nine Things My Dad Has Taught Me

My father is still married to the same woman after fifty years. He has been fathering for forty-eight years and grandfathering for twenty-one years. My dad is the kind of man who says what he means and means what he says. Many people have learned from him through his job as a personnel manager or as he led in his church. Even after retirement, he still volunteers his time and talents on a regular basis.

Today’s post is in honor of my father. My Dad has taught me many things. Here are nine of them.

 

Work hard

Finish what you start. It doesn’t matter if it’s hot or if the job is difficult. Get the job done and do it well. Sweat is good for you. Work hard so you can pay for half of your first car.

Take care of things

Wipe the sand off your feet before entering a tent. Remember to feed the dogs. Don’t leave a bike parked behind a car. Change the oil regularly. Don’t wreck the car.

Do the right thing

Volunteer. Donate. Give to those who have little. Go to church. Tithe. Speak up for what is right. Write a letter. Ask to speak to a manager. Practice self-discipline. Say you’re sorry. If it’s your fault, make amends.

 

Understand the value of money 

Be frugal. Watch for good deals. Get your money’s worth even if it means refilling your cup of tea three times. When eating out, you can leave the bread but you must eat the meat. Take good care of things and don’t wreck the car.

Do your best

He would rather me fail, than cheat. Be honest. Always look for ways to improve. Challenge yourself. Pay attention. Don’t give up. Stick with it.

Be careful

Wear shoes when you ride a bicycle or a motorcycle. Helmets are even better. Don’t talk to strangers. Look both ways—twice. Wear a life jacket. Wear a seat belt. Don’t wreck the car.

 

Be adventurous

Don’t be afraid. Try new things. Go places you’ve never been before. Jump the biggest waves. Swing on a rope over a river and let go. Ride the fastest roller coasters. Go to college. Drink pickle juice from a jar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laugh—a lot

Don’t worry. Find the humor in things. Take things in stride. Keep it all in perspective. Have fun but be safe. Don’t wreck the car.

 

Difficulties build character

When you don’t always get what you want, when you want it, it builds character. Learning to manage with less builds character. Working hard for something builds character. When there is no other explanation for a denied request, “It builds character” is the response to accept.

 

Proverbs 6:23 says,

        “A wise man’s heart guides his mouth,

        and his lips promote instruction.”

 

I am blessed. My dad’s teachings are wise. Some things he knew before I was born and some things he learned along the way.

As a father, he had to work hard and take care of things. He understood the value of money and handled it wisely. Although not perfect, he tried to do his best and do the right thing. While being protective and careful with his children, he still managed to provide lots of fun, adventure, and plenty of laughter for them.

 

My dad is a man of character and integrity. I’m thankful for the time he now devotes to building the same character in his grandchildren that he first began in his own children.

 

I love you, Daddy. You wisely teach us, by the way you live your life. Thanks for always being there for me—even the three times when I wrecked the car.