My dad taught us to work hard. He enjoyed his work, but it wasn't always easy. I remember many mornings finding him sitting on the edge of his bed trying to work up the energy to get his day started (none of us are morning people...at all!!). But, he always went. I don't remember him ever taking a day to slack off. He took pride in his work. He taught us that you spend most of your days at work, so you should enjoy what you are doing.
My dad has a servant's heart; he is always willing to help others with whatever skills he has. He is really handy, so he would often get calls about fridges or vacuums or other things not working. About plugged sinks and broken garburators. He always went because he likes to help people. His attitude has always been that if he can help, why wouldn't he? He rarely thinks about his own convenience or what it will cost him in terms of time or effort to help someone in need. If helping people also saves them money, then that's a win win in his book.
My dad has a servant's heart; he is always willing to help others with whatever skills he has. He is really handy, so he would often get calls about fridges or vacuums or other things not working. About plugged sinks and broken garburators. He always went because he likes to help people. His attitude has always been that if he can help, why wouldn't he? He rarely thinks about his own convenience or what it will cost him in terms of time or effort to help someone in need. If helping people also saves them money, then that's a win win in his book.
My dad taught us to be authentic before it was a buzz word. He is exactly the same man in every situation and place. In fact, I am positive that the people who honor and respect him the most are his five kids and his wife and that says something about a man's authenticity. My dad's word is true and he instilled in us the value of honesty, integrity and what's right. I know there are times when my dad spoke the truth when it was not personally advantageous to him, but there was no question that he would do anything other than say it like it is.
My dad taught us the value of faith. The greatest way that he taught us this is by living it and being faithful. My dad is not really a man of many words, but get him going on a theological discussion and he has lots to say, lol. But his theology is not just words or philosophies; he lives out his faith in his every day life. His whole life is about living out what he believes, whether at home or at work or at church. His faith permeates every area of his life.
My dad taught us to own up to our mistakes and shortcomings. He told us openly about things he's learned the hard way so that we could avoid some of the mistakes that he has made. At church, both my parents were open about problems their kids were having where other families would pretend that everything was perfect. Their openness has encouraged us to be real and allow others in when we are struggling.
My dad taught us to own up to our mistakes and shortcomings. He told us openly about things he's learned the hard way so that we could avoid some of the mistakes that he has made. At church, both my parents were open about problems their kids were having where other families would pretend that everything was perfect. Their openness has encouraged us to be real and allow others in when we are struggling.
My dad taught us through his example that you are never too old to learn something new. He started playing ice hockey when he turned 50 and continued playing right up until this past June. He also started playing golf in his 70s and would go twice a day to the putting green at their place in Florida.
My dad taught us to know what we are talking about. He does not suffer fools gladly. One should be well read and informed. One should engage in discussion and politics and news. If you have an opinion, it better be based on something other than feelings and you should be able to argue your point well. My dad loves a lively discussion and we have had a lot of those in our family over the years. We don't all always agree, but I think it is such richness that we have openly discussed so many things and debated and argued.
The engineer in my dad taught us to appreciate things that are well made and stand the test of time. He has no patience for things that break or fall apart or are poorly designed. Whether it has been building a green house, planting a garden, building a sauna or remodelling a kitchen, my dad has always focused on being cost-efficient, but never at the expense of quality. Things need to last. I think this is part of his inherited Finnish work ethic. If you can do something well once, that is always better than doing something quickly and cheaply if you have to keep fixing it later.
My dad taught us about commitment. If you sign up for something, you commit to it, whether it's music lessons or sports or attending church. Even if things aren't going well. Even if it's hard or you are discouraged. If you started, you need to finish and you need to finish well.
My dad taught us all this and so much more. But, when I say he taught us, I don't mean that he sat us down and told us. I don't remember him ever quoting Bible verses to me in order to teach me how to live out my faith. Sometimes, he would guide or teach with words, but more often than not, it was through his actions that he taught us. He lived all these things, day in and day out. They are who he is and have influenced and guided who we have become as a result.
The engineer in my dad taught us to appreciate things that are well made and stand the test of time. He has no patience for things that break or fall apart or are poorly designed. Whether it has been building a green house, planting a garden, building a sauna or remodelling a kitchen, my dad has always focused on being cost-efficient, but never at the expense of quality. Things need to last. I think this is part of his inherited Finnish work ethic. If you can do something well once, that is always better than doing something quickly and cheaply if you have to keep fixing it later.
My dad taught us about commitment. If you sign up for something, you commit to it, whether it's music lessons or sports or attending church. Even if things aren't going well. Even if it's hard or you are discouraged. If you started, you need to finish and you need to finish well.
My dad taught us all this and so much more. But, when I say he taught us, I don't mean that he sat us down and told us. I don't remember him ever quoting Bible verses to me in order to teach me how to live out my faith. Sometimes, he would guide or teach with words, but more often than not, it was through his actions that he taught us. He lived all these things, day in and day out. They are who he is and have influenced and guided who we have become as a result.
