One of my favorite bands, Black Stone Cherry has a song titled "Words My Father Said". With Father's Day just around the corner, my Dad and all his words of wisdom have been on my mind. So, in honor of Father's Day I wanted to convey a few of the really important lessons Dad has taught me over the past 22 years.
Checkout the song here:
Disclaimer: I want to start by saying I realize I am very blessed to have such a great relationship with my Dad and I hope this post will not offend those who are not as fortunate. However, I do want to caveat by saying that your "Dad" doesn't have to be your biological father to instill long lasting life lessons. Regardless, I feel these lessons are important teaching points to anyone who may look up to you as role model.
Without further ado, here are some of the most important lessons Dad has taught me.
Lesson 1: Teach Yourself, Because Others Won't:
I think my Dad tried to impart this mentality of "teach yourself because others won't", because that was truly the experience he had in life. My Dad is an extremely intelligent, naturally curious person. He has always encouraged me to chase my own curiosity to its natural focal point and to not shy away from any interest.
Dad's real insight here is that if you trust your own enlightenment to others then you will be severely disappointed.
Lesson 2: Keep Your Priorities in the Right Order:
Simply put, my Dad always provided a living example of this lesson. He has always stressed a top down approach. Start with faith, then family, then focus on worldly things. As I have grown myself and experienced the world I have witnessed the power of keeping these three things aligned in their proper order.
You may have a different set of priorities or the same set in a varied order. The point is that lifelong priorities act as a compass for setting life goals and measuring progress.
Lesson 3: Practical Skills
My Dad has always had the expectation that I would possess many practical skills. In typical Dad fashion he has also stressed that I continue to learn on my own outside of anything he may have taught me.
A man is naturally the most physically able in most households and that yields certain responsibilities. Keeping the yard up, cars maintained, taking care of animals, general house repairs, etc. are all part of learning to be self sufficient. My Dad never wanted me to have to depend on anyone else so he always stressed learning as many skills as possible.
Lesson 4: Pass It Down:
I think among the most profound lessons Dad taught me was that each generation of our family should improve and that when I was a father someday I had to take that very serious. Dad and i often times discuss our own weaknesses and how I could improve or prevent such things in my own children someday. Of course, they will have their quirks and flaws too, but the main point is that the preceding generation plans to put the next one into a better starting position. This is true generational family.
My grandfather had completed the eight grade, my dad a two year associates, and myself a four year degree. (I don't mean this as an endorsement of formal education or investing in college, only using this as a convenient example.) I hope my children outdo me on every front!
These are just a few of the wonderful pieces of wisdom that my Dad has passed along. Again, I am very thankful for my situation and I hope others with dutiful fathers will appreciate the blessing you have been given.
So, what lessons did your Dad teach you? What do you appreciate most heading into Father's Day on Sunday?
Upvotes & Resteems appreciated :)