My Dad was a guide on Lake of Woods for one of the resorts
when he was 14 years old. He would take
the fisherman out on the launches and guide them to best fishing spots and take
care of all their needs while in his care.
He worked hard.
My Dad drove the pontoon boat, and as I looked at him in his
element, I saw the years melt away, and I saw the spirit of adventure he
had. His love for the Lake and the Land
showed through and you could see the memories as he retold stories from years
ago.
We were shown the spot where my Dad proposed to my Mom so
many years ago. The love between my
parents is a gift that has grown over the years, and it was a blessing to us to
see where it all began.
I love my Dad. He is
one of the hardest workers I have ever known.
His sense of duty to his family over the years is amazing. He went without so that he could provide for
his wife and his children. I do not ever
remember my Dad feeling sorry for himself as he sacrificed for us, he just did
it. Most importantly, my Dad along with
my Mom taught us to always love and trust in Jesus in all things. The lessons I have learned from my Dad cannot
be learned from a book or a Professor at a prestigious university. They were learned by watching my Dad love and
care for us. Watching Dad trust the Lord
in times of joy as well as times of sorrow.
It was in the everyday activities of life.
My Dad had and still has a love for adventure. He was planning on going to Alaska before he
met my Mom. He never went to
Alaska. I have told my Dad many times
how thankful I am for all that he did for us.
One time stands out vividly in my mind.
As I told my Dad how much I loved him, and I thanked him, he looked at
me and told me he would do it all over again.
I also had the opportunity to watch Jacob drive the pontoon
boat under the guidance of my Dad. What
a thrill to handle a boat on such a vast body of water, it was amazing. As I watched my son, I saw a glimpse of the
man he will become someday. My heart was
overwhelmed with words that are difficult to express.
“28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40: 28-31
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40: 28-31
