I know what you are thinking. Man that's a pretty cheap gift. Well, my father is today and always has been a man of few words. Never verbose, he communicated to my siblings and me with other means. His actions, his commitment to the support and care of our family, his love for our mom, gestures like leaving notes or sayings that supported or encouraged us when we were going through some trial. He took me on walks in the evening. Each long walk would wind around the elementary school and our neighborhood where we would talk politics, religion, life lessons and about bible truths. Sometimes we would play the "I remember" game. I loved that game because my dad would take a date in history , any date but mostly the 1800's and make it come alive with some story that ushered us back into that time and we would be the protagonists in the plot. He would start out by saying, " I remember back '63, (long pause for effect)....... 1863 that is!" he would weave some tale about himself, wild indians, camping along a riverbank and in moments I was transported back into time. I loved it! My dad took me on business trips and presented me to his business associates as "my boy " or "my son" or "my copilot". He took me hunting and fishing and camping. He taught me how tie different knots and how to start a campfire and then how to cook the best breakfast you've ever tasted. He taught me how to drive in a 1950 Dodge Meadowbrook.
He prayed for all of us. Never a flashy, public prayer but the kind the bible talks about - " go into your closet and pray". I grateful to have as one of my fondest memories growing up - walking by my mom and dad's room seeing him laying down on his bed at night time reading his bible and then praying. This happened every night. Night after night. Just like clockwork. It was something you could set your watch by. I didn't fully appreciate what example my father was setting for me until I grew up, started my own family and saw how hard it is to model that kind of behavior and discipline myself.
My father showed me his love everyday by showing me how much he loved his Father.
He set an example of everyday man, doing everyday things - working at home and at the office, yet he tried to lead his family toward God. My father is not perfect. That fact alone was hard for me to grasp. I wanted him to be perfect. In my heart of hearts, he had to be. My father expected so much from himself and expected no less from me. I tried for years to hold him up against a standard of perfection which I now know is completely unfair. My dad is fully human, just like me. But even in all his humanness, I still consider of my dad, my hero and mentor. I love my dad!
Now at almost 90 years of age what has changed in my dad is mostly physical in nature. He may walk a bit slower, he may have a problem with a knee here or a hip there. The physical gets so much press and so much of our time. I know my mom and dad have much of their time consumed with Doctor visits, check-ups, tests, waiting for results, and then the cycle repeats. But the good news is his heart is still beating strong with mechanical valve that was put in place some 16 years ago and with each beat my dad has another opportunity to live out God's message of hope and love to his wife, his children, his grand children, his great-grandchildren and the neighbors and friends and family members that are scattered around the states. My dad can't do some of the things that he so much enjoyed doing in this life. Yard work, house maintenance projects and I am sure things there are many more things I haven't listed here today, but there are many things he still can do and now because of the loss of one loved thing he has more time to do some other things. I know that I appreciate every time he calls or each snail mail or email that I receive from him. I appreciate each insight he shares with me from his reading of a book or a message from his bible reading. I know that when I need someone to pray for me, I can call him and he will guard and act on my request for prayer. I enjoy the moments we have together whether by phone or in person. Value to my life and the life of my family are not measured in my dad ability to do the things he can no longer do but in the ability of my dad to do the things he still can do. My dad can still love me. My dad can still impact me and my family with his history and wisdom garnered of years of living and learning. My dad is my hero and I love him.
Thanks Dad. Thanks for growing and changing and yet for still being you throughout the process. Thanks for continuing to fight the good fight and for blazing a path for us to follow.
Happy Father's Day!
I still owe you and nice dinner!
God bless my father today and everyday that you have planned for him. Answer our prayers regarding his health and give him a renewed sense of purpose for today. Show him your mercy and kindness on this Father's Day 2008. Open your word and remind him of your faithfulness. Give him your strength. Give him a light heart each day and let him know deep in his soul how much his youngest loves him.
In the name of Jesus I pray this prayer for my Father.
Amen
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