My parents displayed it regardless of external factors. Gratitude is a discipline best experienced in both the good times and the bad. My mom and dad had twin sons while still in college. Eat cereal for dinner. Not sure why we had cereal every Sunday night for dinner… but surely, that’s where I learned it.And they never evaluated theirs by the number of zeros printed on it. Don’t look for wealth in money. True wealth is never measured on a bank statement.Through the experience and their example, my parents taught me never to fear it. My family moved a number of times while I was growing up (5-6 times before graduating high school). Self-discipline ought not be feared, but nurtured. I’m glad I learned from them the importance of being able to disagree with genuine humility… sometimes I wish I learned this even more. My mother and father always concerned themselves with greater pursuits than money. Concern your life with more than money.And I’d hate to have the first without the second. My parents have remained faithful to each other in every possible way for 40 years. Let me repeat that, I always remember my dad coming home from work for lunch. Come home for lunch. I distinctly remember my dad coming home from work each day for lunch―usually for a hot dog on bread with chips.Their values always dictated their decisions even when they were unpopular. Many will choose the broad, well-trodden path. Even when we lived far away from extended family, I always remember making it home for the holidays as a kid. And if there is a greater compliment to be given, I’m not sure what it is. My parents provide, protect, and care for the orphan and the fatherless. And you just can’t care about everything. They set a healthy example from the very beginning that life is not all about getting… it’s about giving. Be quick to help. If a need in the community was articulated, my parents were among the first to be there.My mother and father were always open to being challenged in new ways. We never stop learning, growing, and changing. Even more impressive, my parents were content then as well. There were also times when the bank accounts were healthy. Nevertheless, my parents were content in it. There were numerous times growing up when money was tight. And my parents taught and modeled what it means to be a good friend to others. Healthy friends cultivate healthy friendships. Be a good friend to find a good friend.Worship has always been important to my family. More importantly, they recognized their needs and assisted when possible. Everywhere I’ve lived, my parents knew our neighbors. Assist your neighbor whenever possible.From her, I learned to appreciate the time, energy, commitment, and care that teachers show every day. My mom worked a number of jobs while I was growing up ― including being a teacher. But when they make a mistake, they humbly admit it. It would be foolish for me to claim my parents have been perfect. 60 Life Lessons I Learned From My Parents And to celebrate their 60th birthday, I thought I would use this public forum to give them the praise they deserve and to share with you some of my lessons learned in life thanks to my parents. They have taught me invaluable life lessons about work, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. They have worked hard to provide a stable foundation for my life and future. My mother and father have always been wonderful parents to me. And I regret not being able to be there to celebrate with them. In two months, my father will celebrate his 60th as well. Unfortunately, the miles separate us. This weekend, my mother celebrates her 60th birthday. “No matter how far we come, our parents are always in us.” ― Brad Meltzer
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