Father's Day 2012

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.