Help when I need it

My parents make the gospel a reality. They’ve always incorporated gospel teachings into every day topics. I didn’t grow up thinking that there were church issues and then everything else. They were all the same.
I went camping with my husband’s family last weekend and Sunday morning we woke up and got ready for church. Someone made the comment, “You’re on vacation.” This didn’t make sense to me. My father taught us that you ALWAYS go to church.
I only know of one time that my dad didn’t go to church. I was in college and he had foot surgery the day before. I asked my mom and she said that it’s the only time she knows of in the last 30 years, since they’ve been married, that he didn’t go to church. The next week he got on his crutches and hobbled to church.
Some people say, “The Lord will understand.” In this case they meant ‘He will understand if you miss a couple weeks of church.’
My dad always replies to this statement with, “I don’t know whether he does or not. BUT… he is not going to say ‘I’m disappointed in you for going.’”
I’ve heard my dad say this several times and every time it impacts me. He uses it in all kinds of circumstances, not just with church attendance. Tithing, temple attendance, Sabbath day activities, home teaching, Monday nights, anything that is a Spirit of the Law concept, and anything that is a Letter of the Law concept as well.
My dad’s obedience and zeal to keep the commandments has been an example to me in times when I wonder what to do. When people say, “The Lord doesn’t expect that much” those words my dad uses come to me, “Maybe He doesn’t, BUT… he isn’t going to be disappointed if I do.”
Through this, I have learned to try to impress the Lord with my actions instead of others.
My dad is one smart guy.