Looking Back with Gratitude
I didn’t always know the biblical principle to “honor your father and mother” the way I do now. I honestly wish I had known all my life! This post can by no means make up for my lack in former years. However, as the fruit of my gratitude, today I want to honor my dad by sharing memories. Maybe some of them will be a source of inspiration to you in your own family!
Imperfect Families, Abundant Blessings
My definition of Parents: the imperfect people whom God tasked with the momentous job of training children in the way they should go.
God doesn’t ask us to do the impossible. He knows we can do well with his help. Sadly, not all parents understand the value of leaning on God and his Word as they raise their families.
On a side note, it may be good to keep in mind that our parents were also children, too. Children who experienced things within their younger years that shaped their values, thinking, and behavior. Knowing this, I have a sincere sense of compassion and thankfulness for my parents.
The Family I was Given
There were four of “us kids”: two brothers, one sister, and me. Mom stayed home to care our home and family. Dad worked an outside job, then came home to take care of home and yard tasks. My parents did what they knew to give us a good life. Piano lessons; 4-H, Scouts, Brownies, and Blue Birds; private school; swimming lessons; quality outdoor experiences; grandparents’ involvement; and so much more. Nothing was perfect, and at times we may have been more like a zoo ;o) yet it was my family, and the shaping of my understanding of life.
Childhood Memories that Shaped me
Choosing gratitude for the lessons learned from my father, here are is a good handful or so of sweet memories that shaped me:
- Dad insisted that our family always attend Church together.
- Dad was a leader: in the congregation where we attended, in his workplace, in his business ventures, and, most importantly, in our family.
- Dad was kind, yet firm. He strove to understand where other people were coming from, and looked out for the weak.
- Dad gave nicknames. When I was a young mother, he gave me a new nickname, different from the one I grew up with. Silly as it may have sounded to others, I never minded him calling me by either nickname. It was part of our relationship, and it made me feel special.
- Dad gave us kids rides! While he lay on his back on the living room carpet with his knees bent, we lined up. Taking turns, one of us sat facing him on his lower legs while leaning forward over Dad’s knees, holding his hands. He bounced his legs up and down a few times, counted to three, and tossed us heels-over-head, past his head and onto the soft carpet. Dad seemed to enjoy it as much as we did!
- Dad looped his arm through mine as we walked together in public places when I was a teen. I was proud to be seen with my dad acting gentlemanly toward me.
- Dad encouraged us kids to sing with him “at the top of our lungs” as we hiked. “The Cattle Call” was one of his favorites, giving him opporutnity to yodel! He did have a very nice voice.
- Dad promised to give me candy for every 100 % received on a test. Then my 100s showed up too often. He hadn’t promised candy of a certain size, and began offering an M&M for each 100%. I confess, I pushed back on that one!
- Dad let me clean his freshly-caught trout, saying I was his fish cleaner. His praise got me through my initial disgust, continuing to clean carefully so he would be pleased.
- Dad and I pulled weeds together in our garden. It was quiet, friendly work, and I loved just being with him. And I liked the feel of the weeds’ roots popping free.
- Dad was quick to laugh at anything funny, pointing it out to others so they could enjoy a laugh with him. I loved my dad’s hearty laugh!
- Dad enjoyed gobbling huckleberries as we hiked in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. We ate plenty, yet made sure we kept enough for pancakes or even a pie.
- Dad talked frequently about the fresh scents of the woods and shorelines, inhaling deeply of the fresh air.
- Dad also liked to listen, then talk with us about what he heard: the wind blowing through leafy trees, a small watercourse that ran beside our trail, water lapping against the shoreline or our wooden boat, the calls of various woodland birds.
- Dad let me row our boat for him on Olallie Lake, instructing me on how to do it just right, so he could angle for fish. When he caught one, he gave me credit for my rowing skill 😀 !
Treasuring Ordinary Moments
One of the primary things I believe I have gotten from my dad is to cherish the simple, every-day things. From my list above, you can see there was nothing very impressive or spectacular. Yet, from Dad, I learned that our lives were enriched when we made the effort to slow down to appreciate the little things.
It is right to slow down, to savor the moments that matter, to celebrate the little things, and to cherish the family God has given you. ~ Julie Mitchell
Live Graciously, not Overwhelmed
When life seems hard, God, our true, eternal Father, provides his children with rest and refreshing in his presence. If only we will make the determined effort to push aside all the distractions and responsibilities long enough to spend time with him.
The apostle Peter wrote, “Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.” I Peter 5:7
After giving your cares to Jesus, you can begin to enjoy the abundant life God has for you. A life in which you know: It’s alright to slow down, to savor the moments that matter, to celebrate the little things, and to cherish the family God has given you. Doing these things can enable you to live graciously, rather than overwhelmed.
I’m thankful for my Dad. I thank God for all the sweet memories, the valuable lessons learned, and for all the good things my dad put into me!
