"I swear, you're just like your father." My mom says that probably every day. She doesn't have to swear it though, we all know it to be true. From silly things like spilling and breaking things to the even deeper similarities, it doesn't take anyone long to notice that I'm a pretty clear image of my father. Although smaller, and much more feminine. My father has always provided for me. And still does. Even though I'm (sort of) a grown up now. Both him and my mother have the most generous, loving hearts. Just threw that in here to say that a simple "Thank you", will never be enough. So, with so many similarities there always inevitably comes some tension. Strong personalities and opinions often collide and we may drive one another a little nuts. I mean, he may drive me nuts and I never cause any problems because I am absolutely perfect ; ) , but I still love him. So drink-spilling, dish-breaking clumsiness aside, here are some of the wonderful qualities that I've inherited from this amazing man God gave me as a father. I am so thankful to have been given such a strong, brave role model to shape me into the woman I've become today. A women who won't settle for anything less than the best in all she does and who tries to always love with all her heart. All because that has all been modeled for me so incredibly well for 26 years and counting. I'm thankful for my father's: 1. insatiable thirst for knowledge. It seems like he likes knowing a lot about everything. Not in a rude, better-than-you-way but in a way that shows genuine interest in the world around him. He has always thoroughly researched or explored new things to learn every detail and then will tell you about it with excitement and fervor. He can turn the most boring thing into the coolest thing ever. I know that sometimes it doesn't seem like I'm listening, Dad, but I am. I've always loved learning too. But not just learning, I mean really knowing. Sincerely and honestly doing justice to whatever it is I'm discovering by exploring it fully. By giving it a fighting chance. I've learned that everything can be beautiful if we just give it enough of a chance and devote enough attention to really getting to know what it's all about. 2. Just like his own father, he never stops talking. Uh, I mean, he's a story teller :) Like I said, it may seem like sometimes I'm not listening but I am. I am because once I get going, I can't stop talking either. Those of you who know me well have definitely experienced this. All of the sudden you wonder what happened to the quiet girl who barely said a word. Well, lucky for you I came to trust you and feel comfortable around you. Now you'll never hear the end of me. Honestly I think this comes from just living a full life where you see value in the things around you. I like sharing. Especially about things that have come to mean something to me, things that have had an impact on me, or just things that I feel like deserve some attention. I just get excited about all parts of life. That's all. I think that's why my Papa talked so much and why my father has carried on that legacy. Life, it's exciting. It's worth telling stories about. Even the little things. 3. My father won't hesitate to strongly tell you what he thinks. Don't get me wrong. I don't mean this is a negative way. I think this is a good thing. And once again, if you know me well, you know this is me too. My dad says that I'll beat you over the head until you're just too tired to argue with me anymore. Talk about the tea pot calling the kettle black... or however that saying goes. We're each always right and the other is always wrong. Oh, my poor mother. 4. He's a leader. A leader... admits mistakes patiently shows how to do things gives advice gives direction earns and deserves respect shows kindness says "we" not "I" inspires encourages motivates coaches My father is all of these things. People say that I am too but there are definitely still a few that I'm working on. Thanks, Dad. For leading by example. For making me proud to be like you, and for setting the bar high. P.S. If I never get married it's because I just couldn't find anyone as good as you who'd I trust around my children.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Author4th grade teacher. Writer. Justice-seeker. Encourager. CrossFitter. John 11:40. Archives
July 2017
Categories |