My dad is one of a kind. A unique, funny fellow, who always gives. He wouldn't kill a fly- literally he catches flies and spiders and frees them in our front yard. Over my 21 years of life I have really learned to appreciate my Dad and all the things he taught me. He taught me by words and example. Some of the things he tried to teach me I was too stubborn to understand- however there are a few precious truths that have really stuck with me. The lessons that my Dad taught me are:
1. It's a choice to be happy.
In my more dramatic years.. I'd complain to my Dad of the frustrations of school, or work, or a conflict in a relationship. I would let these things take a toll on me and my life. My Dad would offer advice, "did you try this...?" or that, or that, and I would reply, to all, "No that won't work". After trying to console me numerous times. He would always say, "Well Megan, you can choose be happy. It's up to you". To which I would roll my eyes and walk away more grumpy than before. I have learned it is true!! My friend Donna Meister says it another way, "Some people walk in the rain, some people just get wet". The scriptures say it another way: Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." My Dad was right! I believe his words- if you want happiness, then choose it.
2. A short pencil is better than a long memory.
I often came to my Dad in his room and he is hunched over writing in his journal. Behind him- a bookcase full of journals. I have picked up my Dad's habits and become an avid writer. He emphasizes writing the precious things down so that we will have always have them and be ready to find more.
3. Happy wife = happy life.
He has never stopped loving my mom, and seeking to make her happy.
4. Serving others brings true happiness.
My friends have often come over and been given unending amounts of food by- you guessed it- my Dad. He gives and gives. I've heard some say, "Why is your Dad so happy?"
He always told me to serve others, but I'll never forget when he showed it. After a crazy, fun, famished day in Salt Lake, we stopped at McDonalds. At the drive-through I ordered my usual- the spicy McChicken. yum. We got our food and started to pull out of the parking lot. We stopped by the cross walk before the main road and as I pulled the food from the bag, I was caught by surprise to see my dad was putting his sandwich back into the bag and handing his bag of food out the window. I leaned forward and a looked outside, a homeless man, clothes torn and rugged, hunched over and pushing his shopping cart full his belongings. The man quickly grabbed it with a big smile on his face and said thank you. My dad waved and drove away. I will never forget how quick my Dad was to give to others in need, and I've never known a happier person.
5. The pearl of greatest price is eternal families.
He always said this. I finally looked into it a little more. Jesus Gave a parable in Matthew 13: 45 ¶Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold ball that he had, and bought it.
He always emphasized families, and the importance of doing fun activities together, and learning to get along. Families are the most important thing we have, the most precious gift, the most precious relationships, and we should seek that precious pearl and sell all we have to attain it. I now know that its only because Heavenly Father gave us his son Jesus Christ that we can have families that will last after death, and forever. Ultimately I am grateful to my Dad and Mom for teaching me about my Heavenly Father. They have instituted a desire to learn of God in all my siblings, and I have had a priceless spiritual journey getting to know Father in Heaven and his Son Jesus Christ.
This video captures a fathers love for his family. Although my family dynamic is much different- I can easily relate to this. I hope you can also. It touches my heart. Happy Fathers Day!
