Saturday, April 08, 2006

My Dad is a very simple and humble man. In the eyes of the world I’m sure that he would be considered ordinary. In the eyes of his family he is extraordinary! Why would there be such a contrast? The difference comes from the faith that my Dad has in His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My Dad trusts in the Lord above all things. He believes in the word of God and lives by the examples that Jesus has taught us in His word.

Dad’s heart listened to God and from him I would hear wisdom from above. My Dad has shared God’s wisdom with me for as long as I can remember. I would like to share about one time in particular that changed my life forever.

I had always struggled in school. There were classes that I excelled in and others that I could not grasp. I did not enjoy school and most of the time I felt like I was just trying to survive one more day. My high school guidance counselor had told me that I was not college material and I readily believed him.

I had decided that I would join the Air Force. I could travel the world and learn valuable skills. It was my senior year in high school and I had made the necessary contacts with the Air Force I was waiting to hear from the recruiter the finalized plans for the physical that I would have to have before I could join. The recruiter called and told me that he had one more question that he had forgotten to ask me. Did I have any lung disorders? I told him that I had asthma but that it was really not a problem. He then told me, “I’m sorry but we cannot accept your application because of your asthma.”

I was devastated. I was a senior in high school and now I did not have any plans. I felt like a big failure. I cried a lot. One day my Dad came downstairs to my room and said, “You cannot sit and cry for the rest of your life.” He looked at me and said, “Have you ever thought that God wanted you to do something different with your life?” I sat back and realized that I had not thought about what God had wanted for me. My Dad told me that he wanted me to go to our community college for one year. I told him that I didn’t feel smart enough. My Dad said, “Your Mom and I believe that you are smart enough and that with God’s help you can accomplish anything.”

I was scared but with my parents encouragement I went to college and I loved it. That first year I made the Dean’s list every quarter! I decided to transfer to Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. When I graduated from college I had two majors, Director of Christian Education and Elementary Education. I served in different churches for about 10 years as a Youth Minister before I was married. I never forgot the words of wisdom and perspective that my Dad shared with me. I was able to encourage many youth in school, because I knew what it was like to struggle. But I also knew what it was like to have someone believe in you. Most importantly I knew that “All things are possible with God.” Matthew 19:26

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Michelle,

Dad and I still believe in you and that you can do anything with God's help. Dad says to just keep listening to him and to the Lord.

We love you Michelle!!!

Love always, Dad and Mom xoxo

Anonymous said...

I am so glad that you and your father have a special relationship in your life. And also the special relationship that you have with your Father in Heaven....to Him Give The Glory!!!!