One of the main influences in my life as I have grown to be a man has been my father. Today, my Dad turned seventy, and I reflected on the many things he has taught me, over the years, some intentionally and some, er, less intentionally.
Trying to get a handle on the number 70, I selected 7 major categories and assigned ten things to each category, somewhat haphazardly. I can just see my Dad shaking his head over this list, saying, “Is that all he learned from me, all those years?†So let me add the proviso that these are not all the things I learned from my father, these are just the things I thought of first.
Kathy says I can’t dump all 70 in a single blog, so here is the first installment. Six more to follow, sorry to be so long-winded. (I’m not really sorry, but I feel the tiniest bit sheepish, so I offer that up on the altar of politeness.)
Dad taught me about God
God is faithful. When my Dad stands before his Maker, I don’t think that I presume when I say that the words ‘Good and faithful servant’ are likely to figure prominently. My Dad has always been the kind of person who can be counted upon, who keeps his promises, and who consistently holds to the same principles in his life. His example is one of the things I draw upon when I want to give up or run away from the drudgeries of life.
God is patient. My Dad exhibits this trait every time he watches my children, but (frankly) it is one of his defining characteristics. I remember how patiently he would listen to my blather when I used to stop by his study at night and waste his time. He has always been willing to listen to me and has shown tremendous ability in teaching me the same things, over and over.
God has high standards. My Dad is a perfectionist, and it has been difficult sometimes when I have done jobs for him. But the good side of that trait is that he has shown me how large a gap there is between our standards and God’s standard of holiness, by showing me the size of the gap between my standards and my Dad’s. When I hear preaching on the holiness of God, it isn’t hard for me to imagine how far above me that is – I just think of how far above me my Dad’s standards and multiply them a hundredfold.
Dad as a young man, before I was born.
God loves me. I never had any doubt about my father’s love for me, and because of that life-picture, I am confident in my Heavenly Father’s love for me.
God is just. My Dad always tries hard to be fair, but more importantly, he worked hard to mete out justice on many occasions growing up as I interacted with my brother and sister. His wisdom, objectivity and ability to see through my excuses and lies is very helpful to me in understanding the justice of God.
God is holy. One of the things that often annoyed me, growing up, was the extent to which my parents were willing to avoid certain types of behavior in order to avoid all appearance of evil. As I have grown and matured in my faith, I have come to value their example in seeking to separate themselves from worldly things and setting themselves apart for God.
God is creative. My Dad loves to draw and to build things with his hands or with his words, and I have come to understand God a little better through the example of my father. I can imagine the delight that Jesus must be having as he designs the ultimate model railroad in my Dad’s basement in heaven (assuming heavenly mansions have basements).
God loves people. Throughout my childhood, I can hardly remember a time when my parents did not open up their home to people in need. Whether sponsoring scores of refugees from southeast Asia, feeding the homeless or caring for the families of deployed soldiers, my Dad has served as the hands and feet of God in showing His love to people around the world.
God is generous. My Dad has given unstintingly of himself, in terms of his money, his time and his words throughout my life. He was there when I needed money for college, when I needed help buying my first home, when I needed help buying the house we are living in now, and in dozens of other examples. When I think about the selfless ways that my Dad has given of himself to me and to others, I am truly humbled.
God rewards his servants. Keeping his eye on his eternal reward, my Dad is running his race and earning his crown every day. He has often showed me the way that God restores or replaces things that we give up for His kingdom, and he has consistently taught me to value treasure in heaven over anything I might acquire here on earth.
Tim: I just read this blog – and I must say that I am touched and humbled by your kind words. I can only hope that I will prove to be worthy of your esteem when all is said and done. Love, Dad
Heh — worthy of my esteem, indeed.
Of all the people in the world, you’re the one I want most to be like. Happy Birthday, Dad!