I knew as a toddler that my DAD would always teach me because of how much he loved me. I just never realized how much he would teach me and how many lessons I would look back on and learn even more.
My dad taught me that I was his girl and a princess
When I was three, my dad had a doctor’s convention to attend in Dallas, Texas. Since my brothers were in school and my sister was a baby, my dad invited me on a weekend with only him. Being the third child and at times feeling caught in a shadow, this was a weekend I looked forward to and a weekend that laid the foundation in my memory about how special my dad truly thinks I am.
I woke up early in the morning and climbed into the front seat our family’s blazer. My mom kissed me good-bye and told me to have a wonderful time. I remember riding to Dallas in a dream – the only thing I desired was to spend time with my father. When we first arrived in Dallas, I remember my dad taking me to Dillard’s to buy a new pair of shoes. He helped me pick out navy blue and white Ked’s tennis shoe. The store attendant measured my foot with a silver plate looking thing that told my shoe size, something I had never seen before. My dad put them on my feet and held my hand as we walked to the car. This was a moment I will never forget; it was the first time I remember feeling like Cinderella.
My dad let me attend meetings with him. I sat quietly coloring in the back as he listened to different speakers. My dad took me everywhere with him – no matter if it was for children or adults. It was a weekend that I will never forget – just my dad and one of his princesses.
Taught me about meditation
When I was school-age, I remember many nights I walked out to my father’s garden to find him gazing at the stars mesmerized by how vast God’s creation was. Even as a young girl, I always had to be doing something; whether it was schoolwork, crafts, playing dolls, etc, I had to have my hands busy. When a question would pop in my mind, I hurried out to the garden to ask my dad, but a serene aroma would fall upon me and peace would surround me as my dad led me to gaze up alongside him.
I look back on this time and see it as a time of meditation. Meditation is not only emptying all your thoughts out, but true mediation is also letting God fill you with His infinite measures. Nothing can compare to the mystery of God, especially when we gaze up into the night sky.
Taught me that the person who is with you for the “moment” is who you need to be pouring into – for they are the most important person in your life for that “moment”
For multiple years in a row, my dad was named “Doctor of the Year” at the hospital where he worked. I began asking what sets him apart from all the other doctors, what makes our community appreciate my dad so much? This is the answer I found out…
Many doctors herd their patients through like cattle. How fast can I see patients, give them medicine, and be done with my day? Even though not all doctors think this, the patients sense it. However, my dad was different – this is the answer I heard. When a patient comes into his office, he delights in getting to know them on a personal level, shows them how much they are worth, and truly desires them to return to full health.
My dad allowed me to make rounds at the hospital with him, as well as spend the night in the Emergency Room when he was “on call”; this was a time I personally saw how much he cared for his patients. God has given my dad a HUGE heart of COMPASSION.
Growing up, I’m sure there were many things that could flood my father’s mind, but no matter who was in front of him, he spent time speaking into the life that God placed before him. In that moment, he/she became the most important person to my father.
Taught me how to rest in a father’s arms
Growing up, after a hard day or any day, my dad would let his girls lay our heads on his tummy while he watches television or reads book/magazine. It didn’t matter to me what he was doing, all I needed was to know that he was there and cared for me. At times, he would even give us amazing foot massages. No matter where he s sitting, he has shown me that I always know a place to curl up to know things are going to be ok.
Even as a twenty-five year old, all I sometimes need is to lay my head on my father’s side. And through my father, I am still learning the importance of what it means to truly find rest in my heavenly Father’s arms.
Taught me how big and beautiful the world truly is
My dad insisted that all of his children become certified SCUBA divers at the age twelve. Sometimes you don’t ask why, you just obey – Fathers know best… As a young girl, I would snorkel with my family. This is a beautiful experience, but I knew in my heart that I wanted to go deeper. On my first dive in the Caribbean, my dad took good care of me, and he showed me the depths of the sea. Absolutely amazing!
My dad gave us many opportunities to explore the world to see God’s creation. Along with SCUBA diving in multiple locations, he took us tent camping and hiking through the States, horseback riding for extended lengths of time in the Rockies, skiing in the mountains across America, paragliding in the South Africa, etc. Every family trip showed me a little more of God’s beautiful creation.
As of late, God has just been showing much my earthly father has taught me. How much of my heavenly Father’s character he has shown me. My father means so much to me; these are only a handful stories to go along with only a handful of the many life lessons my father taught me over my journey of life. As I look back, I see God in every step of it. I thank my God that he sent me a father who took the time to be with his family and show me how much he loved me and cared for me.
Dad – I thank you for making your family a priority, and I thank you for loving my mom, a beatiful woman of God – who has also is a true angel to me!!
