I was diagnosed with impetigo and prior to leaving the office, the doctor slathered my six year old face with thick, pasty, PURPLE medicine. My Dad felt so sorry for me that he took me to the Woolworth's at Big Town Mall and said that I could choose between a coke float at the soda fountain OR get a frisbee. Presents are rarely offered on platters when you are the fourth kid. I just couldn't decide. Dad said, "Let's do both!" (Something Mom would not have ever proposed!) So as I twirled on the stool, my violet face sipping through a red and white straw, frisbee on the counter, I began to realize one of my Dad's best attributes was that of being a giver.
The full measure of being a recipient of a gift is how willing you are to share it. It was not an easy lesson for me to let go of Dad to serve others. I was a jealous little soul. He worked the night shift at the post office and always worked on Christmas Day so others could be with their families. I would get so frustrated when we were the last car on the church parking lot, but Dad was always there for whomever needed a kind word or helping hand. And when there was a quiet moment at home, he would go "pay visits" to folks (who pays visits anymore?) I envied those other people but my Mom always tried to explain the DNA of a servant. So I stared right into this beam for decades realizing the best gift from my Dad was watching him give . Mom was the rudder, but Dad was definitely our sail.
A month prior to Daddy passing away, he and I had a morning conversation that I'll never forget. He told of how grateful he was that Mom led him to the Lord. Then, he commented how he hoped that he had been a good influence in my life. I think the statements above validate a heart swelling "yes!"
I would love to hear what "gifts" you received from your father!