Some of the things on this list will always be the same. My dad continues to provide for me, to love me whole when I feel broken, to infuse me with hope and strength when I need it, and wisdom when I ask for it. Some lessons with shift as our relationship changes to adapt to my growing up. All I can say is that my dad is a gift from the Lord, one I will always be thankful for.

• A relationship with Jesus is the most important thing you can have.
• You can’t please everyone, all the time.
• Make time for your family, for your wife. Work will always be there.
• Leave no doubt for your children that there is nothing they could do to disappoint you.
• Listen to people when they share their problems, but don’t let it affect your own soul.
• Teach your children the simple things — how to fish, shoot a basketball, ride a bike, and swim in the deep end — and then enjoy it with them.
• Eat slower and sit up straight.
• Give from your heart; time, energy, love, without expecting anything in return.
• Learn what it means to be selfless; it’s a way of revealing Christ to people.
• Free your daughter to go have fun when you know she’s stressed out.
• Don’t answer the phone at dinnertime.
• Sometimes the wise decision involves thinking of your own mental, emotional, physical health.
• Learn what it means to be a safe person in someone’s life, someone trustworthy.
• Give grace to receive grace.