I love my dad.
He’s a great dad. While growing up there were a few things that I heard uttered on more than one occasion. Things said repeatedly. Said enough to qualify as a dad-ism.
Here are a few quotable dad-isms, from my beloved dad, Matthew W. Anderson, and a few elaborations by me, his daughter:
1) “People are more important than things.”
(If I had a nickel for every time I heard this..) Boy am I glad to have had this ingrained in my head. Because it’s true, people are more important than things. So hold on to your things very loosely. Give them away. Don’t cry if they get ruined. Because people are more important than things.
2) “It’s wide open at the top.”
The world is full of people racing to the middle. Or the bottom. Mediocrity abounds. So, if you’re willing to work hard and pour yourself into something worthwhile, you’ll discover that it’s wide open at the top.
3) “There isn’t anything that you can’t do.”
Wow! I heard this often enough and with enough sincerity that I really believed it. I didn’t look at any college major and think, “I better not try that, I”m no good at that.” I really believed (and mostly believe) that there were no limits to what I could do, if I applied myself.
4) “Have babies when your young!”
Some people might flinch at that one, but there it is. And that’s advice that I followed. How’m I doing dad?
5) “Children are a blessing!”
Yep! I agree!
6) “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a bandit, and want like an armed man.” Proverbs 6:11.
An especially useful verse for lazy teenagers. And my dad used it fairly often. (And still does).
7) “What you do to one side of the equation, you have to do to the other side of the equation.”
That’s one of DFAR (Dad’s Famous Algebra Rules) that I heard enough for it to make the list. Thanks for the math help Dad! I’m not too shabby at algebra, thanks to you! And I’m sure there’s a metaphor for life somewhere in that rule, but my skills of simile are waning at the moment.
I’m thankful for a father who pointed me to our Heavenly Father and who is not only my dad, but a brother in Christ.
What memorable things did your dad say?
Our dads are pretty similar, Abigail! (Which makes perfect sense, considering they’re brothers close in age). Dad always told me similar things – with the exception of the “have children when you’re young” thing.
I can’t think of any particular phrasing, but I think the most often repeated sentiment from my dad was “It’s okay if you fail; we’ll still love you.” Dad always has confidence that I’d do well, but he also wanted me to know that if things go wrong, he’s there. I think that’s a major part of why I felt okay stepping out and moving to Texas, and then moving to Japan.
It’s amazing what a difference having encouraging and loving parents makes.
Dear Abigail,
Well said. I remember all those things. Another that I’m sure you heard (one I’ve since learned Pastor John would take issue with) is this: Happiness is something that falls into your lap when you are doing something a whole lot more important than looking for happiness. (I may have shared that more with your older brothers) It fits, I think, with Jesus’ words, “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.”
I am so blessed by God to have children and grandchildren who add joy upon joy, totally undeserved, to my fallen life. In my mind, it’s a small preview of the gift of God Himself and the joy upon joy, also totally undeserved, we will experience for eternity when we will be forever with Him!
Thanks, Abigail. You and your wonderful family are loved more than you know.
Dad
I love a dad who loves algebra.
#4. Correction. Babies when young…because you can’t have them when you’re old.
Covered it very well.
Yes. Most things I remember him saying too! My life has also been blessed by the good things your Dad has done and said!
Happy Dad’s Day a smidgen late, Matt!
Lynette
What about, “You only have to brush the ones you want to keep?” (teeth) I heard that one a lot.
Thanks for the correction Mom. That’s right!
And I forgot the “only brush the ones you want to keep.” Which is surprising, since I say that now to my kids. :)
Abigail,
Sometimes I pop-in and read your posts and I’ve never commented. This one about your dad touched my heart – so here it is:
I really enjoyed reading what you wrote about your dad. Because of your dad, I always looked forwarded to my doctor appointments. He had a way of making me feel like I was his favorite patient (even though realistically I was probably one of many) His advice was always sound, comforting, and supportive.
Because of these things, along with the fact that my labor and delivery experience was an answer to prayers and a dream come true, AND because he delivered my perfect baby girl, he will always have a special place in my heart.
Kelly
Wonderful quotes! I’m not a dad but I’m going to start saying them around our house more often…