Happy Day After Father’s Day, former procrastinators. I hope you have wonderful fathers, husbands, sons, and other influential men in your lives that you gratefully honor. Reviewing Darren Hardy’s The Compound Effect has prompted me to recall ways my own dad compounded his influence as my father. His consistent “deposits” of instruction, counsel, fun, and provision grew a large harvest in my life. These and other things compounded over the years:
His Values – Family relationships were important and he protected them carefully. He owned a small business and went to work at 5 a.m. – then returned for breakfast every morning so we could begin the day together. He would take one of us kids with him “to the city” when he went for business. We got to pick where to eat and had special conversations.
He instructed us or found someone who could in areas he was not able. He was the first to tell me about compound interest, giving me my own little brown savings book. He made sure we three kids took speech class so we could overcome fears he had had. He was attentive to his parents and to Mother’s. He loved this country. He had a high regard for Christianity which later became a love for the Lord Himself.
His protection – When he and mother believed I was making a foolish decision, he bravely and wisely drove me to the authority who could give us facts and perspectives to clarify my thinking – and to voice his opinion.
His support – Daddy spent time with us – at Boy Scouts, attending recitals, or building a tree house. He’d pass on a compliment he’d heard. When he observed good things in us, he commended us. Daddy and Mother thought well of each of us and communicated that sense of positive worth.
His fun – He enjoyed life and helped us enjoy it. Playing monopoly or kick ball or playing crazy chase games with the neighborhood kids. He took us camping, to the beach, to the mountains. He put much thought and effort into playing a joke or giving a gift and he often enlisted my “help.”
His learner attitude – He was a reader and kept a thesaurus by his chair for quick reference. He took classes. When he realized he was wrong about something, he apologized.
His regard for Mother – Daddy deflected all compliments paid him, insisting that Mother was the one who deserved credit. He saw her as critical to our family’s well- being. We could not be disrespectful in any way of Mother. Period.
Even when I disagreed with my dad, I always knew he loved me and that I could trust him to do what he believed was best for me. His “deposits” in my life accumulated a rich treasure.
Look back and find an area where your dad was faithful for good in your life. What will you thank the Lord for?
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