Dad when he was young during WWII
My Dad was so much fun to be around. I think he just simply enjoyed life–maybe because of the horrors he experienced in World War II, maybe because of a difficult childhood with sick parents–but when you were with him you enjoyed life too. He was grateful for what he had, and didn’t worry about what he didn’t have. There was a tiny bit of a wild or fearless streak in him that meant you were always on the edge of an adventure.
- Screaming down steep hills with him on the toboggan,
- Screaming across the fields with his jeep PULLING the toboggan,
- Adventuring down unknown roads–just to see where they went,
- Climbing forest ranger towers,
- Riding on his back as he dove into the pool and swam the length of the pool UNDERWATER,
- Loving God while he prayed on his tractor,
- Traveling to our cabin in Wisconsin from one restaurant selling pie to another,
- Watching the bears at the dump.
And I think it was all made possible by gratitude. He was thankful for my mom, his kids, his family, his garden, his cars–just everything. Today I’m going to think gratefully!
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God withgratitude in your hearts. Col. 3:16
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