It Builds Character!

All my life I heard the words, "It builds character!" Every time I complained about something I didn't want to do or something that was difficult, that was my dad's response. "It builds character!"

So when I didn't know how to make coffee and I complained I didn't want to learn, "It builds character!"
When my siblings were mean to me and I went to Dad crying, he dealt with the problem and told me that... it builds character!
Dealing with my extended family... builds character.
Having to keep going back to school when third grade was soooo hard!!!! It builds character.
Sharing a room and having to clean it... it builds character.
Learning to do my own laundry... builds character.

Doing the dishes, making your bed, going to bed on time, finishing your homework, helping Mom set the table, learning to make dinner, taking the garbage out and picking up after yourself... it builds character.

At some point I started asking when I was going to have enough character! I mean goodness, gracious, at some point this character thing has to pay off right?

These days as an adult I go to work even when I'm tired, I go to bed- not because someone told me to but because I know I have to get up when the alarm goes off. I get up when the alarm goes off because I know there are things that need done. I can make my own coffee, make my own dinner and even do the dishes. I do my own laundry and sometimes I even fold it.
I keep my mouth shut so that I can avoid putting my foot in it (most of the time). I've learned to get along with people even when they're difficult. I don't give up on people every time they irritate me. I stick it out even when things get hard.
My bills get paid on time. I can check my own oil and tire pressure on my car. And I don't miss appointments.
I know how to say I'm sorry and admit when I've made a mistake, I've learned to ask for forgiveness, and I remember to tell people they're important to me. I say 'I love you', give hugs and I've learned to celebrate the little things.
I pray and read my Bible, my faith isn't just something I say but a relationship that affects my whole life.

I probably have a long way to go, I know there's a lot more things that I'll face that will build more character but all in all Dad I'd say I've come a long way. So there you go- all those times you've told me that it would build character, well you were right. It has.

Thanks Dad, for helping build my character. Happy Father's Day.