A Reflection on Parents

by David Haberstock

My dad (the Rev. Cliff Haberstock) was a wonderful, gentle model of the Christian life, and a kind father who answered my Bible history and theology questions. His calling as a pastor shaped his life and mine. As opposed to his quiet solidity, my mom was an exuberant outgoing Lutheran school teacher. Both of them loved God’s Word and singing. And they passed both of those loves on to me.

I witnessed my dad work extremely long hours as a pastor. I remember quipping as a child that if dad got paid by the hour, we’d be millionaires! He was devoted to the Lord and His Church. He was devoted to his family with love, patience, and consistency. He was there at every meal and would lead family devotions every night before any of us got up from the table. But those long hours also meant he was often not around. One of my favourite memories highlights that absence. He wouldn’t arrive home on Saturday night until after I’d gotten out of the bathtub and was in my pajamas. I’d sit and watch Hockey Night in Canada with him after he’d finally gotten home from preparing his sermon. It was probably the only time that I had my dad to myself.

His dedication, which I felt as an absence in my life, left its mark in two ways. When my wife and I married, we talked a lot about my desire to not be a workaholic or be absent as a father as many of my own character issues are rooted in that experience. My wife whose family is French does not have the same boundary issues that polite German Lutherans often do, and so she has been a blessing helping me figure out how to have healthy boundaries in home, church, and family. My dad and I even had a conversation about it as an adult and reconciled over that issue.

But I also credit eventually being led to ministry to his faithful example. Growing up, old ladies in nursing homes had often pinched my cheeks and asked if I was to be a pastor like my father. Thus, I spent my teen years saying, “No! Never!” However, I found myself saying otherwise in school projects from grades one and two about what I wanted to be when I grew up. In both, I was bi-vocational: a race car driver AND pastor; a stuntman AND pastor. So, my dad’ s example of quiet, faithful service left its mark despite those painfully pinched cheeks.

Since his death in January 2022, I have increasingly desired to ask his thoughts on a family or church issues. But despite waiting for the resurrection, the gifts my parents gave me continue to bless me and my ministry. So, I thank God for His blessings to me through my mom and dad!

Rev. David Haberstock, the New President Elect, is husband to Lise, and father to 3 adult children and 1 teenager.  Rev. Haberstock was ordained in 2004. He has been Regional Pastor of Central Region for 7 years and has served parishes in Ontario and Saskatchewan.

Print this article