If there are people in my life who don't get enough credit for the person I have become, it is my parents. Both my parents have been very influential in my life and molding me into the person I have become. Ever since going to college I have realized the impact that my parents, especially my dad has on my life. With another Father's Day coming and going, I wanted to thank my dad for just a few of the many things he has taught me in my 20 years of life to get me where I am today.

Thank you dad.

1. Teaching Me To Work Hard

Throughout my life you have always worked hard to provide the best for our family. You've worked to chase after your dreams in life. Whether it was playing Division 1 football, coaching, teaching, getting your masters and specialists degree, you always worked hard at whatever task you were given. I've been inspired to work hard and always chase my dreams because of your example.

2. Pushing Me To Be The Best Me I Can Be

You taught me what it looks like to work hard, but it never stopped there. Even to this day you are encouraging and pushing me to be the best version of myself. Although I hated always being yelled at during basketball practices, going to the gym on a Sunday, weekend track workouts, and you checking in to make sure I didn't skip class, it has all pushed me to become that much better of an individual. You pushed me because you saw potential and I'm thankful to know you saw that in me.

3. Showing Me How I Deserve To Be Treated By A Man Someday

From day one you were the first man to sweep me off my feet. You showed me as a little girl the way a man needs to treat me. I cannot thank you enough for the flowers on Valentine's Day or just because, the dates to get ice cream or dinner, for holding the door, and always telling me and my sisters how beautiful we look. Let me tell ya, because of you the expectations are very high.

4. Loving Me Unconditionally

You've always showed me love whether in a good mood or bad. You have never let the circumstances of life (and my attitude) dictate your love for me. I cannot be more thankful for extending love to me when I least deserve it.

5. Telling Me "No"

In this society where kids are constantly told "yes" to whatever it is they want, I am thankful that you told me "no". It's a valuable lesson to learn to wait. God doesn't always tell us "yes" for anything we want, therefore, I'm glad you taught me "no" and "wait" at an early age. I truly believe I am better off because I can hear the word "no" and know how to wait.

6. Extending Grace

Extending me grace goes hand-in-hand with showing me unconditional love. You were always an amazing example of Jesus in this area of life. There were times that I did not deserve your grace, but you extended it to me anyway. Similarly, we do not deserve the grace Jesus offers us, but He still chooses to extend us grace because of His love for us. So thank you for being such a great example of Jesus' love for all people.

7. Leading

You are someone I look up to when it comes to leading. You're a man of God who leads our home (even though some of us are out of the house now), leads his employees, etc. You are never going with what society is telling you to do, but rather leading with the wisdom and discernment that the Lord has given you. I cannot thank you enough for leading our family with that wisdom and discernment.

8. Letting Me Be Who I Want To Be

I know there are things I enjoy or want that you do not particularly care for, but that doesn't make you stop me from being me. Sure, if something was life-threatening you would pipe up, but otherwise you let me be who I want to be. Once I graduate college I know you will be there to support me wherever God decides to lead me, even if it isn't close by. You allow me to be adventurous and embrace that side of me. Thank you for not forcing me to be someone I am not.

9. Sharing A Love For Sports With Me

If there is one thing I can certainly thank you for, it is my love for sports, especially football. I love the times I'm home and we sit watching the different games on ESPN. I will forever cherish the many sports events we have attended together. I'm so thankful to have a dad who taught me so much about the sports he loves. I also have to thank you for the competitive spirit that comes along with my love for sports.

10. Loving And Serving Jesus Above Everything Else

Of all the things I could thank you for in my life, this is by far the greatest of them all. I'm so thankful to have a God-fearing and serving dad. Before anything else, I know Jesus is first in your life. Because of your evident love for our savior, I know what it looks like to love and serve Him above anything and anyone else in my life.