The Good, The Bad, and The Dad

Growing up, I have heard that when we (us kids) grow up we will see a lot of our parents in ourself. Me, being the oldest boy of 8 kids was determined to make a statement, to show the world that I would be the exception to the rule. I was determined to watch both my parents carefully and make sure I would not inherit any negative influences from my parents. Well, if you know anything about my parents and myself, you will know right away that doing all of that hard work did not pay off very well. I am just like my mom and dad combined, both good and bad. However, I think we have to be careful when we say we inherited bad influences from our parents. Most attitudes and all emotions can either be positive or negative depending on how it is used and/or perceived. If I ask most people what the worst emotion anyone can experience, they would probably say anger. Anger is a very dangerous emotion. Anger can cause a lot of pain including death; just turn on your local news station to see what I mean. Anger can also be used for good. Jesus gave a prime example of this in the temple when he got angry at the merchants selling in the temple. Get my point? I regress...

Good or bad I am a very stubborn person, I can thank both my mom and my dad for this quality. Don't believe me? It is my dad's birthday today and 23 years ago my mom was pregnant with me. They tried everything in their power to get me out of her womb and into her arms. They drove over railroad tracks, bumps, hills, ran stairs... ask my mom she will tell you...  I would not come out, actually not for another 3 more days. I was to stubborn to come out when my parents wanted me to. I wanted my own birthday. I mean I already have my dad's name, why would I want to share a birthday? :) ;) Anyway stubborn doesn't always have to be a bad thing, it has saved my dad a lot of money by being stubborn and not just giving into the pesky sales-people. I have learned to do the same. There are plenty of other good/bad attributes that I received from my parents, but this one is the most relevant to me today. I am still very stubborn to let go. I am trying, but stubborn is second nature to me.

So before I go to work... Happy Birthday Dad, I hope you have a wonderful day and many more like it. Thank you for everything, good and bad. It has helped me to be the man, husband, and father I am today. I love you dearly.

}and to the ends of the earth{