Lessons from My Father

Ten years ago yesterday my father, Forest E. Wood, died. Forest—also known at Woody, Butch and F.E.—died too young and lived too large to be forgotten by his family. Perhaps it is a good thing that he was not around over the past several years given the stress and changes our family has endured. But his example and inspiration is still vital for me and my son, Joe.


As father and son, we did not share any hobbies. He liked sports, I preferred the theater. The one thing we shared was work. In particular, we cut wood—a lot of wood—every Saturday. He was unceasing in his drive to get the job done and unending in his supervision of me.

It was forced child labor. Let’s face it: I would rather have been watching American Band Stand or Johnny Quest. I am convinced that we are born lazy and one of the primary tasks of parenting is to teach children a good work ethic.

As I look back, the greatest gift he gave me and his lasting legacy is the discipline of diligence.

The discipline of diligence is one of the essential characteristics of being a church leader. It is not always easy and you are not always rewarded. And yet, you have to stick with it. That is why ministry is called a ‘calling’ and not a ‘choosing.’

Without it many opportunities for ministry are squandered. In a recent interview, Roseanne Cash said, ‘Discipline your skills to protect your inspiration.’ What she meant is that inspiration comes along only sporadically but you need to be ready for it when it comes. And so you keep honing your skills so you are ready for those moments.

God inspires the church for ministry but we are only ready to receive it when we practice the discipline of diligence.