I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the things we try to teach our children. There’s so much I want them to understand or to be able to do as they get older, and it’s hard to know where to start or what’s actually important. It’s got me thinking about my parents and all they taught me over the years, and what they continue to teach me. And since it’s Fathers’ Day this weekend, and since my dad has taught me an awful lot, I thought I’d share a few nuggets of his wisdom with you all.
Cooking
He taught me most of what I know about cooking. My dad is an excellent cook, and he bakes an impressive sourdough loaf. Aside from teaching me all of the basics, his most helpful tip has probably been that almost every dish can be improved by adding honey. He also taught me how much fun it is to cook, and how to take pride in making something from scratch (actually, that last bit applies to every bit of my life, not just the kitchen).
Cycling
I didn’t make this one easy for him – I remember getting cross and fed up multiple times while trying to learn how to ride my bike. But we got there eventually. In the process I learned a fair bit about keeping going even when you’re hating it because you know the end goal is worth it!
Camping
Camping was a big part of my summer holidays as a child. We’d often spend 4 weeks at a time camping in Brittany. Over the years my dad taught me how to pack for a month away, how to load a car, trailer and roof rack with a lot more than should fit in (and how to add even more on the way home after the trip to Carrefour to spend our last francs on wine), how to unload it at the campsite in the rain. He taught me how to put up a tent, how to sort out the electrics, how to cook on a camping stove. He taught me how to swim, how to dive, how to body board, how to build sand castles… I learnt some French from him, and built up the confidence to use it. But one of the big things I learnt from my dad while camping was how to stick around to get the job done. No matter the weather, or what the rest of the family did while we sorted the tent, my dad and I worked together to get the tent up and ready. And I loved it – both helping him, and feeling proud that I’d made a contribution.
Believing
My faith is a massive part of my life. I have no idea who I would be without my relationship with God, and I don’t care to find out. My dad helps me (very much an ongoing thing!) to understand what it means to love God, to know God and to share God. I don’t think that’s a gift I’ll ever be able to repay!
Serving
My dad has always worked hard. And he’s managed to instill a decent work ethic in all 3 of his daughters. I’ve spent my childhood watching him serve others. In a big way that was through his job, but in a bigger way I got to see it through watching him at home. No task was too big or too small and all were done graciously, carefully and well, with a quiet pride and a positive attitude. As I’ve been thinking about all I learnt from him, I think watching him serve the family and others might be the biggest and the best lesson. Through my dad I’ve learnt how to take joy in everyday tasks simply by noticing how they bless and give joy to others. It’s a lesson that gets me through tough days when the washing, cleaning, nappy changing, feeding, bathing, etc. etc. doesn’t seem to end. I don’t manage it every time, but by remembering the ways in which the task I’m doing blesses someone else, it becomes something I can be pleased to do.
So thank you, to my wonderful father, for teaching me so much, and for helping me to be me (thank you to my mother and sisters too, but since it’s Fathers’ Day, I think they’ll forgive me for focusing on my dad). I’ve no idea how I will get close to imparting such wisdom to my children, and I’m so grateful for all that he’s starting to teach his grandchildren already. Happy Fathers’ Day.