What we achieve is always linked in some way to some person. You simply cannot get away from that fact.
I know it's true for me. And, in my absence from him, I have seen more clearly the strength of character of the man on whose shoulders I stand.
I didn't always have a hero. In fact, when I got those essay questions in school, I was the kid who spent the whole day staring at the blank page because I had no idea who to write about. And if happily I should come to a conclusion and choose someone finally, the great quandary would then be what to write about them.
I was also the kid who was a fighter. Who screamed out violently on more than one occasion at my precious dad. Couldn't seem to get along with him. Hardly even knew him. Wanted to change him.
Now that I think about it, he wasn't trying to be difficult. We're just so similar. And he always wanted more for me than I wanted for myself.
But mercifully the story doesn't end there. My dad and I are on a journey. Of course this will last as long as we live, but we have worked on our relationship. We have come to understand each other a bit better. Enjoy each other. And now that I'm away from home, I appreciate him more than ever before.
As I begin to shoulder the responsibilities of adult life, I realize how very much like him I am. The way I do things, how I think. Yes, I'm Daddy's girl.
And I really look up to him. He's a man of character. I can't help but picture him always going out somewhere in the morning to spend time with his God, no matter where we are, be it an early morning, or a late one! His genuine concern for people, how he gives of his time, himself, to others. His hospitality, his diligent work- he always does his best. His commitment to God, and His willingness to admit when he makes mistakes. These are things I desire to emulate.
My home life has shaped me. I am who I am today because of it.
And I am thankful, because I stand on the shoulders of a giant.
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