A Pagan Holiday and the Godliest Man I Know

December 21st is significant for two reasons. First, it's the date of the Winter Solstice and the shortest day of the year. But more importantly, it's the birthday of the wisest, godliest, and most compassionate man that I know. I thank God daily for my wonderful dad and I've been blessed to spend twenty-six years gleaning insights on ministry, relationships, and life in general from his example. So, on the eve of his birthday, I thought I'd share forty lessons I've learned from my dad. I hope you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom!

1. Buy lunch for people.
2. The passive voice is to be avoided.
3. Always ask, "Where does it say that in Scripture?"
4. Buffet your body and make it your slave.
5. Write your own curriculum.
6. Don't base your decisions on your emotions.
7. Set goals.
8. Even watching television can be a family bonding event.
9. Relationships are the most important part of ministry.
10. Be willing to face the fear of the unknown.
11. The NASB is hands down the best Bible translation.
12. READ, READ, READ!
13. Don't fear your enemies.
14. Be patient with others.
15. Make the most of your time.
16. Read the Bible in context.
17. Never stop learning.
18. Don't seek comfort.
19. Have a wide variety of interests.
20. You can win pretty much any debate if you have the entire Bible memorized.
21. Order room service.
22. Be optimistic!
23. Write succinctly.
24. Be active in finding solutions to your problems.
25. Never lose your love of adventure.
26. A little competition never hurt anyone.
27. Take your children on weekly adventures.
28. Do not put your hope in temporal things.
29. You can be theologically correct and practical at the same time.
30. Ask ethical questions.
31. Keep your head down and focus on body rotation in freestyle.
32. You must care for the person that God puts in your path.
33. Work hard.
34. Look out for the interests of others.
35. A great leader must be a great servant.
36. Don't plan on retiring.
37. Find inspiration in the things that you liked as a kid.
38. Look for the best in people.
39. Teach children the story of the Bible.
40. Always find ways to share the gospel.

There are thousands of other lessons I've learned from my dad, but given that he is celebrating his fortieth birthday tomorrow, forty lessons seemed appropriate.

Dad, thanks for inspiring and encouraging me each day. I couldn't ask for a better father. Happy Birthday!