Parents have more influence on their children’s lives than they think they do. My parents are no exception. Every day brought a new lesson…whether I wanted it to or not. Everything I did, or didn’t do, was chalked up to a greater plan and lesson. And my dad always made sure I learned from the lessons that were given.

1. You can't always get what you want.

The song by the Rolling Stones plays in my head every time I complain about something petty. But I don’t hear the melodious voice of Mick Jagger. I hear the famous song in my dad’s tone-deaf, off-key voice. It isn’t pretty, but it’s my favorite. My dad would burst into song and laughter while the rest of us in the house exchanged glances and rolled eyes.

2. It's OK to be mean.

When I was growing up, everyone always taught me to be nice and kind to everyone no matter what. And then my dad went and screwed that all up. He taught me that it’s OK to be mean…especially to boys. Whenever I’d leave the house to go on a date or possibly be involved with a boy of any kind, he always raised his eyebrows at me and told me to not be afraid. Be mean. And I had no problem obliging. I am my father’s daughter after all.

3. It's OK to fall, as long as you gave it your all and you get back up.

Falling off my bike when I was little was always a big fear. And it happened…often. One day, it happened in our backyard and my leg was all torn up. I should have gotten stitches, honestly. But Dad helped me up and brushed me off, and told me to get back on that bike. Did I want to? No. No way. But did I? Yeah, I did, with my dad right by my side.

4. Learn everything you can.

If I ask a history or Jesus question, my dad is always on board. He then proceeds to give me an in-depth history lesson…and forgets to answer the question that I asked. Or maybe I miss the point half the time because I’m learning ten new things about history.

5. Jesus loves me.

It was such a simple little saying when I was a little kid, but it packs a punch with each growing day. My dad being a preacher, I grew up in a household that loved Jesus. My dad did such a good job with letting me know, that I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior when I was just four years old. I’ve had plenty of troubles since then, believe me. But I know that Jesus loves me.

My dad is the most influential man I have in my life. He’s taught me everything I know, and the lessons haven’t ever stopped. I don’t say it enough, but thank you, Dad. Because of you, I’m able to accept the things I’ve been blessed with and accept the things I have not. I’m able to be mean and command a room without feeling bad about it. I’m able to remind myself every growing day that Jesus loves me. And I love you, Daddy. Thank you.