Things My Daddy Taught Me

In honor of Father’s Day this year, I wanted to reflect on a few things my Daddy taught me.

I recently went to a quick lube place to have my oil changed.   One of those places where you drive into the bay {I worked at a tire store once, believe it or not!} and they change your oil with you right there in the car.  While I was waiting, the nice gentleman working on my vehicle checked my fluid levels and showed me the dipstick…and while he did this I told him that my daddy had taught me how to check my oil before I left for college {many moons ago!}.  He seemed impressed…not sure if it was because I actually knew how to do this or that my dad did and had taken the time to show me.

Thinking about that, I went back to all the things I learned from my dad.

Surely he had taught me how to throw a ball.  Maybe I “throw like a girl” but I’ve got a pretty good arm.

He taught me about football….maybe not intentionally, but because that’s what the TV was on during the Fall every year of my growing-up life, I learned.  I learned what referee signals and penalties meant.  I learned when to yell at the TV…

I learned how to use tools.  Garden tools, screw drivers and the like.

I learned how to paint a room.

I learned that hard work pays off and not to expect a hand-out.

I also learned about Jesus.

I just updated the “What I Believe” section of my blog.  I had read it recently and thought it was sort of “blah”.  Previously the Nicene Creed was there.  And yes, I agree with it, but it didn’t reflect “me”.  A very good friend pointed that out and at his suggestion, I’ve updated it.

So along with all the things my daddy taught me, the most important thing was/is Jesus.

Here’s what the updated “What I Believe” page says:

I believe in Jesus Christ.  I’m not tied to a denomination and I am not “religious”.  I believe in Jesus and He is real to me.

I am trash apart from Him → In Him I am a child of the High King {John 1:12}

I can do nothing apart from Him → I can do anything by His grace and through His power.  I can run and not grow weary, I can walk and not faint {Isaiah 40:31}

I am LOST without Him → I am found and have purpose in Him {Philippians 3:9}

He is my all in all.  He is the beginning and the end.  He is the first and the last.  He created the earth and all that is in it.  He sets the moon, sun and stars in their courses and he keeps the world in perfect spin.  He knows my innermost being.  He created me in my mother’s womb.  He knows my heart, my thoughts, my fears.  He quiets my anxiousness.  He gives me peace when I desperately need it.  He assures me of His unfailing love.  He holds me in the palm of His hand.  I have never been forsaken by Him; He has never left me.  When all around me has crumbled, He is there.  He is my joy and the lover of my soul.

I am in grateful appreciation to my Daddy for showing me and telling me about the love of Jesus.

What did your Daddy teach you?