I didn’t realize how similar my dad and I were until recent years. He and I are drawn to the arts and philosophy/literature, we are reclusive/introverted, skeptical, insensitive realists. Sympathy and empathy are difficult for us, whereas my mother (and sister) are more of the dreamers and emotional, passionate types. But I didn’t know I was like this and I didn’t know why my dad was how he was while I was growing up, so as a child, I saw him as a distant, often angry, figure.
Now that I’m older and I somewhat understand his history and personality, I appreciate his efforts in trying to be the father he never had. Life was never easy for him, and to make it more of a challenge, he chose the most emotionally, mentally, and psychologically draining career–ministering to people. Similarly, I chose a career in teaching, which took a toll on me in similar ways. For introverts like us, it was an odd career choice where it was our duty to be close to people, talking to them, and teaching/leading them. (What were we thinking?!) But alas, the Lord uses the odd ones, often the inadequate, to reveal His power and plans. After decades of toil, my father has finally settled as the Lord has used him and grown His church and he lives his life shepherding God’s people while physically working on his land as God has intended man to live.
Here are a few life lessons I have learned from him:
- God comes first, in everything.
- Cling to God, trust Him, call out to Him.
- Study the Bible.
- Have faith; do not be anxious; God will provide. (Luke 12:22-31 is his way of life) — this is how we’re different. I am an extremely anxious person, which affects me mentally and physically. I think my brother is similar to my father in this regard.
- Never stop learning.
I love you 아빠 (dad). Thank you.
Happy Father’s Day.
