Life lessons from Dad(s).

Today we are celebrating fathers. I thought I would share some lessons I have learned from my dad or all the other ‘dads’ in my life. You know that we are often blessed with more wonderful people in our lives to guide us in addition to (or sometimes instead of) our biological fathers.

From my dad…my sister says I get more like him every year. It’s funny the things that you pick up as a kid that follow you to adulthood. And like it or not, we often do end up sounding like our parents.

I think my best lesson from Dad is resiliency and perseverance; to never give up. No matter what twists and turns my life takes, I can always find a way. It may not be easy or fun, but I always take care of what needs taking care of.

A friend’s dad is like my dad. Maybe you have one of those too. The family that just takes you in from the first time you meet. I even explored Spain with my friend and her parents one summer. Something I admire about him is his zest for life. He is always laughing, which makes him a joy to talk with.

One of the teachers I worked with many years ago reminded me of the value of ‘showing up’. He would always take the time to say hello and check in. Thinking of the way he led his classes (and sports teams) always reminds me of the value of the people and relationships. Being present is a good present.

I have a priest friend who taught me about how God doesn’t leave us. It’s us who do the leaving. God’s always there. He also reminded me that God can be approached with humor and sometimes a little sarcasm.

I watch my friends parent their kids and I see how the kids are like (or unlike) them. No one is a perfect parent. Everyone just does the best they can with what they have. Somehow we all turn out the way we are supposed to.

I don’t mind at all being like my dad. He helped people that other people may not have helped. Yes, it was his job, but you can’t work with people if you don’t have the heart for it. That’s what I am grateful for today. I am grateful that I have a heart for people and contributing for the greater good.

I could go on….I have been blessed with many wonderful people in my life. One father I can’t forget today is God the father. He’s not always quick to answer but I think He let’s us figure some stuff out on our own and is happy to counsel us when we are ready to listen.

To all the fathers who read this, may you all be blessed today. To all who are thinking of their fathers today, what lessons have you learned from them? Feel free to share. 🙂