What did YOU learn from YOUR father?
From the time I was old enough to walk, I followed my Dad around his garage that was built by the team from garage door repair langwood. I handed him tools, held parts in place, and just kept him company. I was referred to as “Little Bill” until the day someone noticed I was at least six inches taller. I loved learning about cars, and as far as I was concerned, my Dad knew most everything about them.
Besides teaching me about cars, he taught me life lessons.
Tweet ThisApproaching the anniversary of my Dad’s home going, I am reminded of four life lessons I learned from him.
- Work hard. Most of my life Dad would work his “day job,” eat dinner, and work nights in our backyard garage. This is how he paid the bills.
- People deserve dignity. I remember my Dad treating people fairly when they were less than kind to him. His prices were fair and his work honorable. He treated people with dignity.
- Make time for people. My friends loved my Dad and would come to him for help when their fathers were too busy for them. He made time for people regardless of their station in life.
- The quietest person in the room may be the smartest. One time my Dad solved a complicated mechanical problem in the shop where he worked. A team of MIT Engineers (experts) brought in on the project had refused to ask the “mechanics” for input. After debating the problem among themselves for two days without a resolve, they asked why he had not shared his solution with them. His answer was simply, “You never asked.”
I don’t mean to make my Dad sound perfect. But, as with most who pass away, the longer they are gone, the more we forget their weaknesses and remember their strengths. Today I am thinking about the strengths he passed down to me. Plus I still love hanging out in a garage when I get the chance.
From my Dad I learned to love my Lord, love my lady, and love the labor my Lord gave to me and my Lady. Mike, I hope you also learned how to cook ribs from your Dad!
Jeff, I learned a great deal from your father as well, he had a powerful influence on my life. Thanks also for the comment about my Dad cooking ribs! I am not as good as him but I did learn how from him. His were memorable!
I remember standing in your dads garage and it truly was a mans garage, all the stuff he “saved” in case he might need it and the awesome little creations he hand crafted. You are right, as time passes the importance and impact of our fathers grows and the irrelevant passes away. There is also men God brings into our life over time that have the impact of a father and they have a way of extending the impact into our adult years in ways only God can orchestrate.
It is incredible to see how God uses people in our lives at just the right time.
Wow, Mike, what a memory of your Dad. Interesting because I picked up and old book the other day and had a picture of me and Beverly fall out, we were probably 22 or so. God bless you and Betsi as you continue serving our Lord. Ruth
Thanks for sharing the memory and for remembering my Dad. I appreciate you following me on social media and helping me communicate my message. Mike