This is the first post in a new series where I focus on some of the best advice I’ve been given, or “golden nuggets” as I like to call them. Pearls of wisdom. Some of which you might store away for a rainy day, but others you can’t help but pour over, as they continue to fester and nag and build until you realise they are now just a part of you.
Some of the advice that has stayed with me has been that which I’ve sought after, but some, and often the most useful are the golden nuggets that I don’t want to hear. You know the ones, right? The ones that we fight against and think we don’t need. On reflection it’s often those moments that speak to us the loudest. Those that God uses the most powerfully. I hope that these advice blogs help you as much in your journey as they have done in mine.
With Father’s Day just around the corner I thought it was the perfect time to kick off this advice series with a tribute to my dad. It’s hard to know where to start when I think about the man who delivered me into this world (I’m sure mum had something to do about that too, good on ya mum).
Dad has always personified a servant hearted leader in our family. He loves fiercely and supports all those who call him family or friend. Growing up, Dad was a working-from-home-pioneer, always available to take me to and from school. He even sacrificed years of sleep driving me 40 minutes each way for swimming squads at 6am. I can only hope that I put my children first at least half of the time that he did.
Dad is an extremely hard worker. He was praised by those in the Glass and Glazing Industry for his 50 years of faithful service. He taught me perseverance, as I learnt to ride my bike, tie my shoelaces and work through the painful and weird worlds of teenage friendships, marriage and now motherhood. Most of my favourite memories of dad growing up were the simple things: me doing cartwheels, him drinking a beer and watering the garden (in his favourite 90’s outfit – shirtless and in stubbies).
He is the epitome of the expression “cool, calm and collected.” Unless of course there are 7 grandchildren under 9 all in the one place, then we all lose the plot. If I had to sum up dad in one sentence it would be this:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
Considering Dad became a follower of Jesus later in life, I have absolutely loved seeing how much he has grown in his knowledge and love of our Lord Jesus over the years. Now many of our conversations are so rich and memorable.
He leads by example, showing his children and grandchildren how to keep yourself active, even in your 70’s. He even gives us a run for our money lifting weights. And he is a creature of habit, mostly sticking to 3 meals a day, with most dinners being sausages, chips and peas. He is resilient and patient and regularly goes with the flow, which is very helpful when you’re surrounded by a very loud, sometimes overbearing family.
Dad can be a man of few words and the best piece of advice Dad has given me wasn’t actually his words. It is his lifestyle. It’s making decisions for the good of those around you, even when it hurts. It’s working hard and sacrificing things you desperately want because you know it benefits the ones you love. It’s encouraging and uplifting others as they strive for the moon. It’s being vulnerable and putting yourself out there time and time again, even when you know it might hurt. It’s always making yourself available when those around you need it. It’s forgiving even when it hurts. It’s serving others quietly. Humbly. As Jesus did.
He is truly a legend, a man that I admire and respect greatly and Dad, I’m sorry I don’t tell you enough. Thank you for being one of my number 1 supporters (and for editing all my blogs). I love you and I appreciate all that you do for all of us. Thank you for showing all your children and grandchildren how to serve our families well.
Happy Father’s Day, old man.
