My Father - I could write volumes of books to explain why my father
means the world to me. A masculine and towering character, his presence is felt
by all. Upon initial glance, he looks stern and serious. Face concentrated and
lined in wisdom, his green eyes are piercing and intimidating. His voice is
assured and confident. However, this is not the man I know. This is the man the
world knows. I am blessed and humbled to know my father’s heart.
When thinking about my father, my soul leaps within me. My
body bubbles over with love. If I were to describe my dad in one word – it
would be “sacrifice.” Of course, parents are always supposed to lay aside a lot
of their wants and desires for their kids – that is what makes for a good
parent. But, I think my dad is an exception. He has always been me and my
sister’s biggest advocate and fan.
Blessed with two little girls, my dad stepped up to the
plate serving as our protector, coach and encourager. He gave up his pastimes
to sit up in high school bleachers and chant with his two cheerleaders, “Go Big
Green and Gold.” He spent his Saturdays hitting grounders to his freckle-faced
middle school daughter and spent countless nights wiping the tears from her
emotional face.
My father is a rock. It’s hard for me to think of him as a
little boy or new husband –I guess he once was –but, I’ve always known him as a
steady source of wisdom and strength. I know him as a solid leader who knelt by
our bedside and powerfully prayed promises over us. I know him as a man who
would sing with us, “Create in me a clean heart, Oh God” from his gut after
prayers. I know my father as a voice who stated at every turn, “You are blessed
and favored by the Lord.”
You see – my father is an exception. A simple, “thank you
for being my dad” cannot suffice on this Father’s Day or any for that matter.
He had a choice – to be a lackluster dad or to show his little girls a father’s
undying love. I’m glad he chose the latter.
Daddy, you’ve not only encouraged me and spurred me on to
“suck out all the marrow of life,” you’ve gently guided me. You have led by
example. You are our family’s patriot. You ride at dawn with a torch of fire in
hand – which is God’s word. Your battle cry is not one of self-serving
accolades. You call out in truth. I respect you deeply. You are the husband and
father God has called you to be and that means the world to me.
I love you Daddy.
