Lessons Learned on the Farm

• Sep. 18, 2009 - Lessons Learned From My Dad

I was thinking about my dad the other day, well actually I think about him every day, but something just kind of clicked this time.

When I was a teenager, I was in A LOT of activities: band, theater, choir, dance, etc... And even though none of those were really his idea of fun, he came to all of them.

My dad worked long hard hours so sometimes he'd lovingly grumble about other things he'd rather be doing, but nonetheless he always came.

And at the time, I took it for granted. I thought all dads did that. But as I've gotten older, I realize not all dads do. And part of me can really understand. As a mom, sometimes I get tired of going to sporting events, car shows, and the such. They're not my cup of tea. But then I remember how my dad went out of his way FOR me. Even when he didn't love the event, he went because he loved me.

My dad wasn't great at saying I love you, but his actions spoke louder than words.

I'm still learning from him even though he's been gone for over 7 years. Saying I love you comes easy for me, but I still want to make sure that my actions match my words. I hope that long after I'm gone, my kids (and their kids) realize that I loved them even more than they knew.

And I hope it all points them directly to the One who loves us all more than we can ever know.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Eph. 3: 17-19

Comments

• Sep. 18, 2009 - From Kari

Posted by Anonymous

Thanks, Nancy. I needed to hear that today.

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• Sep. 18, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by eyecorn

This brought such tears to my eyes. Made me think of my own dad and my own actions toward my children. Just today I texted Geordan an "I love you" just before his football game--I never had done that before--but I could tell from his text reply that it made him feel good. You're so right, how will our children remember us?

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• Sep. 19, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

He may not have said I love you a lot, but I saw it in his eyes every time he looked at you and the boys. I miss him too.
Love You - Tony

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• Sep. 24, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Cindy @ Fenced in Family

Great post, Nancy. You had a special dad - thanks for sharing a little of him with us.

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• Sep. 30, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Juliestew

I miss him too.
Adjustments in the back yard....who can beat that??
He had the sweetest heart.
julie

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• Oct. 3, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by SandBetweenMyToes

So very true. Poor James has always been an enthusiastic trooper at all of the ballet and piano recitals. And, now, he's there the day or 2 before every show Briana is in taking hundreds of pictures of dress rehearsal, so that she can have them to hang onto the memories. (No pictures allowed during the shows.)

that's so great that you had such a dad!

Letitia

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• Oct. 6, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Autumn Colors

Thank you for sharing this lesson you've learned from your dad. It brought tears to my eyes and made me think of my own father. He passed away June 15, 1999 (I am now 29 years old). Losing your father at a young age, you don't, sometimes, see much of what they were trying to do with your upbringing. So thank you for gently reminding me of his love for me. I hope that our children will be able to see and feel the love through us that Christ has given to us. Many Blessings!!!

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