You always knew when dad was deep in thought when he put a weed or a toothpick in his mouth. He would mill it around from one side to the other, never talking, just thinking. You may wonder where the lesson comes in.
Dad has since passed from this life, but the many lessons he taught me are forever burned deep into my heart and character. He was not a man of many words, but nonetheless, there was always something valuable to be learned. One lesson dad taught me...
be still... and listen
My memory takes me back about 16 years ago. I was older then. The youngest daughter and I took the two and half hour trip home to visit my parents for the weekend, which I did occasionally. Dad was an "outdoors" man. Always busy doing something. He had since retired from the DWR, but still had his fingers in a "big game" project. He was raising a herd of big horn sheep which he pastured behind the house. A chicken coop and horse stall was recently built on the west side of the pasture. Hay bales were somewhat stacked into a large square block just north of the coop. After feeding the sheep and doing other odds and ends around the farm, dad pulled a weed out of the ground, put it in his mouth, and plopped down on the hay stack. I was watching him out the window of the house and decided to join him.
The sun was just beginning to set when I joined him on the haystack. I sat next to him.... that's all. I looked at him, weed in mouth, soaking up the beauty around him. That's all I needed! There was the love. We both sat there, for the longest time, not speaking a word. Enjoying each other's company as we soaked up the sights and sounds around us. The cool slight breeze of the early evening air, the orange hues of the setting sun over Pinacle Peak, the baaing of sheep as they settled down for the night, crickets chirping. We were connected... to nature, to each other. It felt good! Dad taught me the principle of gratitude. To love and respect nature. I may not put a weed in my mouth, but the the lesson dad taught me to be still and... listen! will always remind me to stop once in awhile, ponder, and reflect on the beauty of the earth and blessings in my life. Dad... will always be at the top of my thankful list. Wish you were here. Happy Fathers Day!
yes, he did teach us that. To this day there is nothing that soothes me more than sitting quietly listening to the world. I loved your post today. One other thing he taught me was the best person to laugh at was yourself :) I miss the stories he told about himself and the laughter that followed. Dad could make me laugh like no other. Love you dad--I'm thinking of you this Father's day.
ReplyDeleteHe taught me a lot also. To this day I still put weeds in my mouth whenever I come across any. Just like grandpa did. I also just love to sit and listen and watch. I wish he could come sit with me at my new farm and listen to nature! Maybe that is where I get my love of nature.
ReplyDeleteYour dad seems like a wise man. Sitting still and listening is a great way to hear from God. In fact, in the last few months I have felt a hunger to "be still and listen."
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and I'm glad you have great memories!
Be still, quiet and thankful. I need to try that more often. I have been working on the thankful part. Been reading a great study on turning resentments into a spirit of thanksgiving. Your father was very wise and how wonderful for him he lived his life that way.
ReplyDeleteWhat nice memories of your dad. :)
ReplyDeleteI think we could all stand to listen more! I know it's something I'm working on.
Geez. just reading this had a peaceful, calming effect. It was sort of shattered by my whining kids, but for a moment I was right there. Beautiful memory and lesson.
ReplyDeleteLovely memory. My father wasn't a man of many words -- at home -- and could correct me in one sentence, not reprimanding me either. What do they say? Listen more than you talk? A good reminder.
ReplyDeleteHopping over from Kaye's blog -- I've never met her, but I sure do like her ;) I've joined Mama Kat in the past and just getting back again.