Today’s post is extra special because it’s dedicated to my dear old dad, Jose. Father’s Day is this weekend and with the holiday upon us it got me thinking about some of the lessons my dad taught me over the years. He taught me many things when I was growing up but the five I’m going to write about in this post are the ones that influenced me the most.
The things my dad taught me helped me become the person I am today and I’m really thankful that the good Lord blessed me with him as my father.
So let’s jump into the first thing he taught me . . .
5. To Always Do My Absolute Best
When I was a little girl and first learning how to write in school my dad would always look over my homework to make sure I did it correctly. I wasn’t much for homework so there were times I messily scribbled my letters on the page and moved on to the next thing, but Dad always stopped me and made me trace the letters again – until I got them right. He told me that a person should always take pride in their work and that they should always strive to do their best.
4. The More You Know the Further You’ll Go
Education was always a priority in our house. My dad was born and raised in Mexico in a town called El Naranjo in San Luis Potosi, Mexico (land of the waterfalls), so English is his second language. He always said that the more you know the further you’ll go. He encouraged me to get good grades and to do well in school. I thought a lot about this lesson when I graduated from high school and college and it still comes to mind every time I read a book.
3. Music Can Be Healing
My dad loves music. He was constantly playing an instrument around the house – a guitar, a bass, the keyboard – and he helped me learn that music can be healing. Whenever he was feeling down or needed a pick-me-up, he grabbed his bass and played along to the songs on the radio. Over the years he introduced me to the Beatles, to Selena y Los Dinos, zydeco music and to countless tejano and cumbia bands. While I don’t play any instruments, I do love to sing, and whenever I’m feeling down I do like my dad and find a song to sing that makes me feel better.
2. To Have Good Friends You Must First Be A Good Friend
Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Through the years I’ve seen my dad put this Bible verse into practice. My dad’s the kind of person who if you have a flat tire or your vehicle goes out he’ll drop what he’s doing and help you (day or night). He’s the kind of guy who will give you the shirt off his back and never expect anything in return. He’s more than just a great dad to have, he’s a great friend to have. I know that if I ever need him he’s only a phone call away . . . and that, in itself, is a gift.
- Never Be Ashamed of Your Heritage Because It Makes Who You Are
My dad immigrated to the United States when he was very young and while he’s now an American citizen and he has built a life in America, he never forgot where he came from, Mexico. For as long as I can remember, Dad made it a point to teach me about Mexican culture – from the music to the clothing and customs to the food. He always said, “No matter where you go or how far you go in life, never forget your heritage, and always be proud to be a Mexican American.”
All of these lessons I hold close to my heart and I can only hope to pass them on to my own children someday. My dad is a good man with a good heart and I’m honored to be his daughter.
Now that you know the 5 things my dad taught me, what’s something you learned from your dad, grandfather, uncle, or brother? Do you have a favorite memory with your dad or a father figure? Let me know in the comments below.
Verse of the Day: As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. – Psalm 103:13
