Let’s continue the dialogue on difference makers. My Dad is the hardest working man I have ever known. I can remember not seeing him during the weekdays sometimes as a child. It wasn’t that he traveled- he was going to work before I got up and often getting home after I went to bed. I know some people say he had his priorities wrong, etc. This was his story- there were 4 kids and my Mom stayed home to take care of what Dad believed was vital- his family and our needs. Dad never had a chance to go to college and I remember him telling me that college opened doors and also that, “His son would not make the same mistake”.
Sometimes I would go to work with my Dad (as a teenager) and watch him run a small printing company, Ad Design, in Washington, DC. I loved watching my Dad lead and he would often put me to work. He saw work as a virtue and reminded me that although he couldn’t always be the smartest guy in the room (I thought he was), he could be the hardest worker. It was this “never quit, never say die” attitude that he gave me and I am so grateful. I miss him in huge ways (he died in 2000) and wish he had a chance to see Church at the Bay- he would have loved it. I am also sure he would have found a way to play the trap set in our band. Thank you God for my Dad and the influence he has in my life. How about you? Have a story you want to share?
Amazing to read your past three blogs; I’ve known you for years, but never KNEW you until today! Grandma was right about you.
I agree that we all make a difference. Lord help that difference to be a positive one!
reading this reminded me of my mom. she was my inspiration. she lived by the phrase “a better world begins with you” and would often times nag me with it when I would complain. I believe this with all my heart and believe she (and God) is the reason I am becoming the woman of faith I am. thank you for sharing your story.
My dad has been a difference maker in my life too. His life is the classic American success story: literally working his way from the mailroom to an executive position. He put in long hours during the week, but always made time for family vacations… whether we wanted them or not! He never does anything halfway or halfhearted.
He challenges me not only to succeed, but to succeed in the things that matter. When I was still very young, he nearly died of a heart attack. He had two things working against him: genetics and stress. The majority of that stress was work related.
I recognize in myself that same tendency to dive headfirst into whatever I’m doing–all or nothing. But thanks to my dad, I also recognize that if you’re going to pour your life into something, you better make sure it’s worth dying for.