I made a goal to read all of the April 2016 General Conference talks before the next General Conference happened. While I missed my goal by a handful of talks, reading the talks helped me to feel better prepared for Conference. I have started most mornings out reading a talk or two and I really feel like that set the tone for the rest of my day.
One talk really got me thinking and I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it, it was called Fathers and it was given by Elder D. Todd Christofferson. In this talk, Elder Christofferson talks about how the world and media view fathers. Fathers are often portrayed as dumb, pushovers and often they are blamed for everything being their fault. This is the sad reality of the world we live in.
Elder Christofferson went on to talk about the sacred role of fatherhood. Father's are to preside over the home. They are supposed to be the leaders of their family, especially in spiritual matters (Family Home Evening, scripture study, prayer, etc). In my mind I think of fathers as spiritual giants.
This talk got me thinking about what I would like our home to be like when our little one is born. What kind of father and leader will my husband be?
Then naturally my thoughts turned to my own father and I was overcome with so much love and gratitude for my Dad.
Most of my early childhood memories involve my Dad. I remember him throwing a mattress in the back of the truck and sleeping out under the stars. I woke up the next morning to find myself in the front of the boat in my sleeping bag. I remember Dad studying at his wooden blue desk while attending the local community college. I recall many occasions where Dad would ask me to sit on his feet so he could do sit ups. I recall going on many bike rides and runs with my Dad. I remember helping him mechanic on the cars, pulling parts at the wrecking yard, ripping out walls, putting up sheet rock, installing hardwood floors, re-roofing houses, and hunting along the Snake River. The first time I ever shot a gun was because Dad put my finger on the trigger and pulled it back, I didn't enjoy that much.
My Dad taught me how to work hard, never pay someone to do something you can do yourself. He taught me how to clean, how to shop for food by price per ounce, how to make a grocery list, how to set goals and achieve them, he taught me how to budget and track my spending.
Dad taught me some other important life lessons too. He taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to including math. There were many late nights spent crying over math assignments that I had a hard time with. Hard work pays off, I'm good at math now. Part of our family motto is failure is not an option. He taught me to trust in the Lord and His timing. That peace can be found in the Temple. He helped teach me the importance of prayer and scripture study - even when we were naughty kids and didn't want to sit still and pay attention. He taught me to give selfless service and to love others despite their weaknesses and perceived flaws. He taught me that money can't buy happiness. There have been many instances where he has sacrificed wealth for our well being.
He has been a listening ear both through the good times and some of life's darkest moments. He may not always have the answers, but he knows how to listen. He has also been one of my greatest cheerleaders and supporters. He came to many of my track meets and cross country races, even though I wasn't the fastest person on the team. He came to my concerts and plays and was there when I left to go out on dates.
He hasn't just been there for me he has been there cheering my siblings on too! Wrestling matches, musicals, football, soccer, baseball, band concerts, and the list goes on. I know how much he loves me and I hope my siblings feel that love too, it truly is unconditional.
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| Jake, Dad, and me. |
My Dad may not be perfect, but he is the perfect Dad for me. The Lord knew what he was doing when he put my Dad and Andy in my life. I feel so incredibly blessed!
