About a year ago my dad was diagnosed with light-chain Amyloidosis, a diagnosis that has rocked my foundation and changed the dynamic of my family. It’s been jarringly hard to watch the strongest man I know lose his energy and his charisma. My dad, who built a business with his calloused, grease-stained hands and has worked every day of my life, is under attack by his own body. I find myself oscillating between prayers for the complete healing of his body and prayers for my own acceptance of what seems to be inevitable. I regularly kick myself for not having blind enough faith. Then I remember God’s in control and I’m not, and I need to chill the heck out. There I am, failing better again.

What I know: 1) I have one chance at this life, and there isn’t time left to squander. If you have a dream, you need to follow it. Risk is involved in this dream-following, but with a good partner you stand a fighting chance at success. 2) Although you should always work smarter, not harder, hard work is also a beautiful thing. Work can change your circumstances, can bless your closest loved ones, and can minister to folks you don’t even know. Maybe the best way to honor my dad is to try to follow these precepts, which he silently taught through his example.