My father has been a man I have bragged about since a little boy. He is 53 and still has a 6-pack (Hopefully that's a family genetic.) He ran in the Toronto marathon and came 87th out of 2000 people at the age of 45. When he was my age he could bench press more then twice his weight. These were all things that I saw as impressive, but were not things my Dad ever told me to strive for.

Above all things my father taught me to love God with my whole heart. These were not just words that my father spoke, but words he lives out. He wakes up everyday at 5:30 (except Mondays) and prays and spends time with God. Life is made to be filled with love.

The second most important thing my father taught me was to love people. I understand very well it is hard to love people sometimes. People are hurtful towards each other and say and do things that cut so deep, its hard to think that the wound could ever heal. Forgiving is something that goes against our world today. My father told me to forgive because Christ first forgave me. I honestly hated it when he said that to me, but I trusted my Dad, so I would forgive. Its hard to sometimes to swallow the pride, anger, frustration and hurt to truly say, "I forgive you." It is hard, but there is a freedom that comes with it :)

In a few words what my dad taught me, "Love God above all things, and love others."

Love is hard, but there is not other way! Jesus is the only One who can supply all I need.

Happy Fathers Day.

Michael Dyck