Kirk has been teaching a Sunday School class at church right now with a curriculum from the movie Courageous. (If you haven’t had a chance to see it yet, go rent or buy it soon.) This last week in Sunday School the assignment given was to sit down and write down the things that your parents have done that you want to make sure to pass onto your kids. (See Hun, I’m doing my homework!:))
My parents are still very much alive, and for that I am very thankful. Their legacy started some time ago though, and it will continue well after they are gone from this earth. I just wanted to share with you a few of the things that my parents have done really well. Things I want Cade, Ella, Adalynne and Sawyer to gain from Kirk and me.
My Dad:
- He’s always worked really hard at whatever he is doing. He is extremely handy and can fix just about anything. He creates masterpieces in many forms (buildings, cars, in woodworking or sandblasting:)).
- He has taught his children to think things through and discern truth from fiction.
- Although my dad has always worked hard he also took his daughters (I’m the youngest of 4 girls) with him while he worked. Family is a priority, and though we weren’t always thrilled to be working, we learned a lot from being with dad. My parents have owned several rental properties through the years, and it has brought a wide range of experiences. I have chipped cement off of bricks, painted tons, scrubbed nasty refrigerators, shoveled walks and weed-whipped lawns. It was rare though if Dad wasn’t right there working with us.
- My Dad has never proclaimed perfection, but he has always held up God and The Bible as the standard for all of us. That was where we were (and are) to go for answers.
My Mom:
- She is a retired Registered Nurse, and I can’t think of a better profession for her. She is very compassionate, and I have fond memories of her tending to me when I wasn’t feeling well. She is very giving and kind.
- I consistently remember Mom’s Bible open on the kitchen table, and that was proof that she had been there earlier that morning.
- She is extremely even keel. We weren’t manipulated to do things based on her emotions. Even now she is happy to have us for holidays or events, but there isn’t pressure if it doesn’t work out for us. What a blessing to be welcomed but not connived.
- Mom worked part time, but she made it work so that she was home for us if dad wasn’t. I remember I looked forward to having our next door neighbor lady watch me because it happened so rarely.
There are certainly many more things about my parents that I love, but here’s a snapshot. Thanks Dad and Mom for giving of yourselves in a way that is weaving a wonderful legacy!
I love you both!
