Lessons I Learned from My Father about Being A Great Dad

Play – During the long summer evenings he spent playing catch with my brother and me after a full day of farming, he would throw us pop flies until his back got sore.  I don’t know if it helped me in the outfield, but it served as a constant reminder of how valuable we were to him.

 Work Hard – On many summer mornings we woke up early to go out and cut weeds out of soybeans; down the rows and back again, for hours, sweating, making progress, quietly anticipating the cold water jug waiting on the truck tailgate.  I hated it at the time, but like most difficult tasks, it was good for the soul.

Act Silly – His dancing and singing and wrestling with us on the living room floor often punctuated evenings at home.  He had, and has, a tremendous sense of humor.

Set Boundaries – A few weeks after I’d earned my driver’s license, I passed a school bus driving much too fast.  He found out and the keys became his for longer than I liked.

Sit – Nearly all of our evening dinners growing up, and most meals in general, were spent around the kitchen table as a family.  Regardless of how busy life became, this habit remained a custom to which we could anchor our lives.

Explore – Dad wasn’t real big on traveling, but we still did it.  Every summer I can remember, we explored someplace new.  I saw a big chunk of the country before I became an adult.

Pray Often – At meals, before bedtime, he made it a habit to talk to God.

These are the lessons I learned from my father.  These are the lessons I hope to pass onto his grandchildren.