The deJongs: What I Inherited from my Dad

I was told once that when I was born my dad cried because he was afraid I had inherited all his flaws.
Well let's see . . .

I have a lazy eye - from my father's side of the family. That means at times I can look at someone and they have no idea I'm actually looking at them. I love playing tricks on people using my lazy eye. So that's not a flaw.

I have a hearing disability - so does my dad. The best thing ever is not being able to hear someone yell at me or give me instructions. I have a genuine excuse - "Oh I'm sorry, I didn't hear you." So that's not a flaw.

I had to have braces on my teeth - teeth I inherited from my dad. Braces where cool. Everyone wore them. So that's not a flaw.

Instead of my dad's flaws I believe with all my heart I inherited the lessons that he taught me. Like . . .

He taught me how to throw a baseball. I may throw it like a girl but that's because I am one.
He taught me how to rake up a pile of leaves and then fall just right so that the leaves fly everywhere.
He taught me to love football. Just ask my kids & my husband how much I love this sport! Yelling at the TV is the best.
He taught me to love Christmas. The gifts, the lights, the tree, and having family at home. But most importantly he taught me about that precious baby God sent on that first Christmas night.
He taught me how to build a snowman. Not just any snowman but the best snowman on the face of the earth!
He taught me how to sing. Listening to my dad sing and singing with him are some of my best memories as a child.
He taught me how to love others and encourage others. How? My dad is so gifted in this area! He shows Christ's love to everyone he meets no matter who they are.
He taught me how to pick the right man to spend my life with by being an incredible example himself.
But most importantly he taught me about God and His love for me. Above all, that is the greatest lesson I have ever learned from my dad.