The Lessons My Dad Didn’t Say Out Loud (But Lived Every Day)
Both of my fathers—Heavenly and earthly—have shaped me more than I can ever say.
In honor of Father’s Day, I thought I’d write a little about my Heavenly Father (and okay… a not-so-little bit about my earthly father too—because he is wildly deserving of a whole lot of praise and more).
Like my Heavenly Dad, my earthly dad is one of the best listeners, most supportive, loving, giving, selfless, patient, and strong humans I know. If you’ve met him, chances are you walked away a little happier, a little lighter, and possibly holding a loaf of sourdough bread.
Here’s what I’ve learned from my dad over the years:
Work hard. Serve others. And never underestimate the power of a well-timed dad pun.
He’s taught me how to be reliable, how to show up for people—and also how to make even the most ordinary moments feel like memories in the making. Like how a Costco run (normally not at the top of anyone’s “thrilling weekend plans” list) has somehow become one of my favorite things to do—thanks to him. He turns errands into laughter-filled field trips. My sister and I now look forward to Costco trips (even if we’re not going together). That’s a special kind of dad magic.
Of course, most of these lessons weren’t things he said—they were things he lived.
Lesson One: Serving Others is a Great Source of Joy
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a day where my dad isn’t doing some kind of quiet, behind-the-scenes service. It’s like his spiritual hobby.
He bakes the most amazing sourdough (seriously—like bakery-worthy), and always makes extra just to give away. He’ll notice a neighbor’s driveway hasn’t been shoveled and do it without a second thought. He’s basically the “yes man” of generosity. Need help moving? Need someone to fix something? Need someone to taste-test cookies even though it’s 10 PM? Yep—he’s your guy.
And somehow, despite all he gives, he’s always smiling. He radiates with positivity, and never complains—even when things are hard or taken from him. It’s like joy just… follows him around.
Lesson Two: Work Hard, but Make It Fun
I don’t know anyone who works harder than my dad. His weekends aren’t for resting—they’re for family time, helping others, yard work, and solving whatever household mystery popped up that week.
And even though he’s still young for retirement, and he will retire young, he could’ve retired even earlier if it weren’t for the vacations we took growing up. But he always tells me he doesn’t regret a single thing he did to make our childhoods magical. We went on the best family vacations (which, now that I’m an adult, I realize were not cheap), and he still says the closeness it brought us made all the extra work worth it.
He’s proof that you can work hard, give big, and still have fun in the process.
Lesson Three: Speak Positively, Even When the Day Feels Heavy
If you ask my dad how his day was, odds are you’ll get a “good!”
But… if you’ve been around long enough, you know the pitch of that “good” holds the real report.
If it’s slightly higher. A little chipper. Suspiciously optimistic. We all know what that means: the day was probably stressful, tiring, or just plain blah. But he’s not about to unload that onto someone else. That’s not how he works.
What he is about? Spreading peace. Speaking positively. Choosing not to complain—even when it would be justified.
He doesn't pretend everything’s perfect. But he also doesn’t invite negativity to take up space where joy could live instead. That quiet restraint? That choice to respond with a gentle, harmless “good” instead of a full vent session? That’s something I admire more than I ever realized growing up.
Because while it seems small, it’s actually a huge act of love—to protect the mood of the room, to guard your tongue, and to choose gratitude even when it would be easier not to.
There’s so much more I could say. My dad means the world to me. He’s the example I needed, the support I still lean on, and one of my biggest blessings. Thank you, Dad—for all you do for me, for Gaven, and for everyone lucky enough to be in your life.
Now, about my Heavenly Father…
If my dad has shown me anything, it’s that fatherhood—real fatherhood—isn’t just about being there. It’s about how you’re there. And the things I admire most in my earthly dad? They’re actually just a small reflection of the heart of my Heavenly Father.
Thanks to both my dad and mom, I was raised to know Him—not just know about Him. And because of that, I’ve been able to build a real, personal, deep relationship with my Heavenly Father. One where I can laugh, cry, ask questions, and be fully myself.
Heavenly Father is Merciful.
No matter how badly you think you’ve messed up, all He cares about is that you stay with Him.
He doesn’t give up on us. He doesn’t flinch at our failures. He just keeps calling us back—again and again—with open arms.
He knows every wrong turn we’ve taken, every time we’ve tripped or gotten lost—and He still chooses to love us fully. No hesitation. No “I told you so.” Just mercy.
And the most powerful part? He gave us His Son—His only Begotten Son—knowing we’d mess up (and sometimes, really mess up). He gave us the gift of repentance, not as a punishment, but as a pathway. A process of turning back, starting again, and growing with Him at our side.
Repentance is hard sometimes. But He doesn’t just throw us into it and say “good luck.” He walks with us. He cheers us on. He strengthens our legs when they’re shaking. He is the Father who helps us climb every mountain—big or small—with grace.
Heavenly Father Has a Sense of Humor
Let’s just say… God knows how to keep me humble and laughing. His humor is subtle, strategic, and sometimes, suspiciously well-timed.
Like when I’ve prayed for patience—and then He places me next to the very person I can’t stand at an event I can’t leave.
He knows I’m stubborn. And sometimes, the best way to reach me isn’t some grand gesture… it’s a silly little coincidence that no one else will notice but me.
He’s always nudging me back toward something better, even when the lesson comes wrapped in irony or something totally ridiculous to me;)
Heavenly Father is Always There For Us
There have been several times in my life where' I’ve felt alone, confused, or helpless. Moments where the last thing I wanted to do was pray—I’d rather just mope, binge sad songs, and maybe overthink everything I’ve ever done in my life.
It usually doesn’t last long until I finally drop to my knees and call out for help or guidance. He always knows how to cheer me up. Just talking things out with Him instantly makes me feel better.
I love that He is always just a prayer away - even if it’s just quick little one you say in your heart. I love the way He shows me He’s always there for me - like these silly little coincidences that’d be easy to miss if I weren’t paying attention. I think He loves showing up in ways that remind me I’m not alone. That He’s still in it with me.
I’m endlessly grateful for both my fathers—Heavenly and earthly.
They’ve provided, protected, guided, and shaped my life in more ways than I can count.
Everything good in me—everything strong, joyful, soft, funny, and faithful—has been nurtured by them.
Happy Father’s Day, to the two greatest Dads I’ve ever known. ❤️
Tell me in the comments below!
How have you seen God’s sense of humor in your life? Or, what’s something funny, wise, or totally unexpected your dad taught you? I love hearing your stories!