Things I learned from Dad

As another Father's Day is approaching, I've been thinking of Dad, and the time we spent together. So here, in honor of Father’s Day and in no particular order, are some things I learned from my dad:

• Dad had me on his horse with him long before I could walk. Throughout my childhood, he taught me basic horse sense, and how to ride and care for a horse.

• When I was no older than three, Dad taught me how to poke the little shriveled pea seeds into the ground. From him, I learned the difference between weeds and beneficial plants, and how to grow a productive garden, especially tomatoes.

• Dad taught me how to make use of what I have. He was always frugal, so I have those tendencies, as well.

• Dad’s strong work ethic also rubbed off on me. From him, I learned that anything worth doing is worth doing well, no matter how long it takes, or how hard it is.

• Dad napped for a short time nearly every day throughout his adult life, showing me that I don’t need to be ashamed of getting the rest I need.

• Dad spent much time outdoors, and took the whole family outside every weekend to hike or just enjoy nature, even when (or maybe I should say, especially when) we had no yard of our own. I still spend time outside nearly every day, often walking in my neighborhood or hiking along the river or at Scotts Bluff National Monument and other places.

• Dad often dug up small seedling trees, transplanting them into his garden until they were big enough to transplant where he wanted them—or share them with family or friends. I don’t often transplant seedlings, but I love trees, just as he did.

• Dad almost always attended church with our family, even when he worked late the night before, instilling in me the importance of church attendance and a relationship with God.

• From Dad, I learned the value of an open-ended Sunday afternoon drive with family, because family time and the hours spent exploring new places are both so important.

• Dad demonstrated compassion frequently, always championing the underdog. I watched and listened, even as a young girl, and learned when and how to do the same.

• Dad taught me how to shoot a shotgun, and his hefty muzzle loader.

• Some of my earliest memories involve time spent with Mom and Dad, cleaning up an old dump on the farm we rented. That was the first of several dumps we cleaned up. I suppose that picking up trash in my neighborhood is something I do for the same reasons Dad was compelled to clean up old dumps.

I can't begin to list everything Dad taught me, but I remember the times we spent together, and thank God for giving him to me.  

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

Psalm 103:13