and seeking to learn something new
"People like you and I, though mortal of course like everyone else, do not grow old no matter how long we live...[We] never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born."
~Albert Einstein
You can listen to "our song"
here
What he's taught me:
1. Duct tape is a useful tool in all dilemmas, including golden high heel dress up shoes (except, not really).
2. The only way to eat cake is in a bowl doused with milk, preferably skim.
3. Increase in age does not mean decrease in ambition or purpose. Live for the Lord, whether seven or seventy-five.
4. If you're frustrated, be productive: build something, plant something, do something.
5. As long as you're learning, you're living. Once you stop being able or willing to learn, a great part of living is lost.
6. Retirement is not in the Bible.
7. Kites aren't just for flying, but for aerial photography:
You can read about the project
here
Isn't our little neighborhood darling?
8. Oatmeal is best enjoyed fresh off the stove, still in the pot. And a meal should be served on.the.table...not.the.counter.
9. Pancakes must never cool before consumption. Microwaving them is disgusting and not an option.
10. Confrontation should be avoided, unless a particular outcome is important.
11. Silence does not equal peace.
12. Riding a bike through Walmart is totally acceptable, even while your ten-year-old daughter covers her face in horror.
13. Shopping carts are not to be pushed back to the car, but ridden--by running and then jumping on the back.
14. God's Word is to be followed, trusted, and searched above all other guides and influences.
15. The best kind of Bibles are the ones taped back together.
16. A balanced breakfast consists of Shredded Wheat, skim milk, open Bible, open World Almanac, and strong coffee.
17. The best movies are black and white with a man's deep voice droning on in the background (aka documentaries, people) [writer's note: Dad loves to study history, and has given me the same love, but I have to admit, a bajillion hours of "Building the Hoover Dam" is just too much for me. But what fond memories I have of falling asleep to the Lewis and Clark expedition documentaries and Ken Burns' "The Civil War" and
the unforgettable song]
18.Sometimes just being outside makes things better.
19. Camping is good; a starry sky makes for the best ceiling.
20. I (his daughter) am just as lovely with crazy hair, wearing a flannel shirt, Ben's basketball shorts, and flip-flops. [writer's note: Okay, he believes this more than I do, but his acceptance of me encourages me to seek God with hope, not dismay.]
21. The best time to plant a tree was fifty years ago, but the second best time is today.
22. Planting trees is the best way to "go green," not spending $70 for a t-shirt made of bamboo that says, "I heart the earth" on the front.
23. God created the world in six literal days; believing Genesis is important.
24. Sincerity is not always enough.
25. Debt is like a ball and chains, you can try to hide it, but in the end, it's likely to keep you from going where you need to go and doing what you need to do.
26. The Holy Spirit moves in ways we don't understand at times, but we must always be sensitive and never ashamed.
Ways he's blessed my life:
27. Playing the guitar to me at bedtime
28. Letting me put bows in his hair, when I was little
29. Reading to my brothers and me at night, "One more chapter, Daddy, please!"
30. Being involved with the previous "menfolk" in my life
31. Telling me I'm pretty
32. Hours of theological talks on the porch
33. ALWAYS remembering Valentine's Day. When I was in college, he sent chocolate, not only for me, but for my friends, too! Here I am with my package this year on Guam:
"Old as she was, she still missed her daddy sometimes." ~Gloria Naylor
34. Inside his hug is the safest place.
He...
35. cares about "who" I am more than "what" I am.
36. loves his family and refuses to give up on us when we fall, because he trusts God. truly.
37. listens, and isn't a reactionary dad, but contemplative and thoughtful.
38. is a truth seeker.
39. was Mr. Indiana State University in body building. I would post pictures, but I don't want to risk being disowned. ;)
40. won a triathlon.
41. builds radios.
42. was in a band (their songs were great... "Cast your cares upon the Lord").
43. lets me cry, but points me to Hope.
44. was the first person I walzed with... :)
45. took me to the Grand Canyon and the American Girl Place (and to lots of awesome historical locations).
46. is still growing, changing, learning, etc.
47. taught me to think critically and with a biblical worldview.
48. built the majority of our house (and did a beautiful job).
49. is true to my mama.
50. happens to be the best dad ever.
When I was writing this, I realized that it's the "little" moments with my Dad that were so precious and linger long in my heart. It was and is...
-the late evenings in the garage, me chattering about youth group drama and him bent over the dying lawnmower.
-Saturday mornings, him painting some room, while I'm still chattering on...
-singing together in the evenings, playing guitar and piano.
-the hours of algebra (although, I must admit, my mind typically took an extensive leave of absence).
-his truck gone early in the morning. He is the provider.
-me huffing out worries to him about the future as we trot down the country road, both of us hoping to get in a decent workout.
-his words, "Well, let's pray."
-a furrowed brow, when he's worried about me--it shows he cares.
-the way he studies up on Guam, my flights, and the way he supports me in the moment.
-his invention ideas.
-him sending me pictures of grammatical errors.
-the assurance the at any moment of any day, I have a dad who will save the day. He loves Jesus and loves his family. He is a man of honor, and I am proud to be his daughter.
Dad, thanks for seeing past every facade,
every pimple, every tear, every loss or gain, and every worry.
May you live your days for the One who so graciously gives.
Happy 50th birthday! I love you.
hugs and kisses, Squirrel Girl
