When I was younger, I felt that some of my friends allowed me to take on a disproportionate amount of expense when we did things together. Sometimes, I felt taken advantage of, even used. Now I don’t feel that way. Probably because I now have super friends and I have more money. But still, I had to learn how to navigate these minefields because I didn’t know how. Why? Because I was accustomed to an example of generosity in my father.
Daddy isn’t generous because he has an unbelievable amount of money. What he does possess is a heart filled with generosity for others. I don’t remember an exception. I have a cheap picture of Jesus from my childhood that Daddy bought from a missionary. I have never seen that exact rendition before or since, but it occupied a place on my book shelf and now it decorates my home altar. I’ve seen Daddy cover more than his fair share of restaurant checks, parking fees, tolls, gasoline — you name it. My husband always remembers when an acquaintance showed up at my parents’ front door one Sunday morning drunk and asking for money. Daddy proved his generosity once again. Some people may argue that he shouldn’t have given the drunk man any money, nor should Daddy allow his generosity to let him be taken advantage of. Sometimes this seems to happen. Daddy never shows any resentment or regret. Isn’t a generous heart worth more than a few extra dollars?
Because of Daddy, I have always aspired to be generous. I am grateful to this example, among many others, that my daddy set for me. Happy Father’s Day, Daddy.
Your turn:
Who is your favorite father in fiction or real life? Why?
What is your favorite character trait in your father?
Other than Jesus, who is the most inspiring male figure in your life?
