Happy Birthday Dad!

Have you ever failed at something, even with the best intentions?  My sister and I spent a Sunday afternoon in the Short North in early January shopping for our Dad's birthday. Upon coming up empty handed, concluded we would go home and strategize the best and most meaningful, wonderful gift for him.  We had over three weeks for goodness sakes!

Then two days ago, I sat up with a huge gasp of realization.  Three weeks had marched by and Dad's birthday passed announced and un-acknowledged by both myself and my sister.  "Oops" doesn't cover it, but I thought perhaps a blog post would!

This blog's title declares that I am "starving to serve," and my Dad is someone that helped cultivate that hunger.  

The heart for service didn't come from years of him preaching kindness or scripture or plugging inspiration.  It came from watching his interactions with strangers.  It's a testament on how to raise your children: show them.  Live it out.

My Dad was a pastor, so perhaps that added to the likelihood that people in need would show up on our doorstep.  They didn't show up often, but when they did they were attended to.  The man with the huge white beard that sat on our porch while Dad spoke with him to hear his story, the skinny lady walking across the country who shared a meal with us and slept on a church pew, the guy who was trying to make it to a better life and all he needed was a tank of gas and a meal. They didn't get handouts, they weren't subjected to paperwork or a program.  They were offered a listening ear, someone to help validate their journey and take care of their immediate needs before they could move up the ladder.

I want to find out where people came from, why they are where they are, where they are going, and help them get there.  Or help them figure out the next step, with the expectation that I can learn from them as much as they learn from me.  Goodness knows I haven't any idea what my next step is anyways...

Lastly, Dad taught me a phrase that his grandpa taught him that doesn't necessarily plan into my motivations, but it definitely helps me be successful.  This piece of family wisdom is three simple words: "Don't kid yourself."  This ties into a theme I uncovered at the Working Out of Homelessness Forum I went to (that I hope to write about soon).  Change cannot and will not be affected in individuals until they realize change needs to happen.  Every single homeless person on the panel I saw named "self worth" as a barrier to getting back on their feet.  If you are at the end of your rope, don't kid yourself into thinking it's not that bad, and on the other hand don't kid yourself into thinking there is no hope.  Face reality and take a step forward.

Happy Birthday to a great man and dad who has influenced my life for the better.  Rest assured, your special day is now solidly marked on my GoogleCalendar.