My Dad

Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching. Proverbs 1:8

The role of a father is to protect, provide, teach and guide. God often uses that title for Himself in describing our relationship with Him. In fact it’s been shown that our first ideas about the character of God are based, for better or worse, on our relationship with our own father.

Today I want to honor my dad. Before I was old enough to realize, his faithfulness had given me a positive view of God. I was secure, cared for and had confidence to be me because of his unquestioned love.

He reflects God in the way he provides and protects. He is a good steward, even thrifty, yet generous. And he loves children. There have been many times I’ve found my dad talking to the youngsters in a group or sitting on the floor reading a book to a child needing some personal attention. My parents brought foster children into our home for emergency needs and he cared for each one. Even now, his joy is to send kids to camp that might not otherwise get the opportunity. Jesus let the kids come to him. So does my dad. And they recognize in him a secure place. His grandkids and great-grandkids know his love. They also know his humor. Laughter lives in our home.

My dad loves working around the house and yard fixing things - as he learned from his father. I picked up his tinkering and his thriftiness (hopefully alongside his generosity) as well as his work ethic. He is a quiet man of daily faithfulness and there were many who have sought his counsel.

Honoring him today is a joy as I get to work alongside him on projects, take walks, share stories and help out where I can. I am grateful for the dad God gave me, for his love and for all he has taught me.

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12