Happy Non-Retirement, Dad!

My dad has worked at Shell Oil Refinery (which has had many names in the last few years) for the past 35 years. He wouldn't let us have a "retirement" party because he's not really retiring; he's just changing careers. So we had a really fun "change of career" party this weekend with lots of family members. He has been an inspiration in several ways, one of which is proving that it's not the career that makes the man. For him, his career was a means to provide for his family. It never defined him. What defined him was his care for his family and his investment in the lives of others through ministry and personal relationships. He has had to work shift work all of those years and had to miss many holiday gatherings, birthday parties, and other events that he would have liked to attend. He always made us feel so special, though, that we never felt like he was missing out on our lives. He scheduled "dates" with each of us and tried to do things that we would like. I remember lots of "before school" breakfasts at Burger King. Breakfast is the only way I could get up and get moving that early. I remember one time that he took me dress shopping because he knew it was something I would enjoy. It was a bit disastrous because he had no idea how much dresses cost, but it was sweet that he wanted to do that for me. He never missed a moment of our lives that he didn't have to. I remember his "larger than life" video camera in the orthodontist's office when I was getting my braces off, his talk with me before my first date, the private good-byes the night before I moved away from home for the first time, and even the pep talk on my wedding day. After reading the "Love Languages" book and discovering that my love languages are words of affirmation and physical touch, I realize that he loved me in my language. I don't know if that was intuitive or accidental, but I always felt loved. Even when I told all the family not to show up at my c-sections, he always came anyway. After being initially annoyed, I was already really glad because his prayers and presence have always had such a calming effect on me. Somehow he knows when I need him.

So congratulations, Dad, on graduating from shift work at a job you tolerated to making your own schedule for a "job" you love. I am excited to see you doing what God has long-ago ordained for you to do in this moment. You are an inspiration to many. I love you!