Thursday, June 16, 2011

Father's Day

In honor of Father’s day, I am going to introduce you to the fathers in my life.

The first is my Heavenly Father.  I know him as many things including: Savior, Creator, and Father.  He is the very definition of fatherly love.
1Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails......

Is it too much too say I love this? While these verses are often used for weddings, it is the best definition of parental love, in this case fatherly love, as well.  My heavenly father is not only the author of love, but also my protector and my provider.  He is the beginning and the end, and knows everything there is to know about me.  I am secure and confident because of my relationship with my Heavenly father.

Then there is my earthly dad.  It would be an understatement to say that I am in fact, a daddy’s girl.  I am sure I have been since the time I was a toddler and made a word specifically for my daddy.  My daddy was terrwonderful.  That is both terrific and wonderful.  The thing about my dad, is that as an adult I can respect him in a new light.  I see that his love for my brother, sister and I was rooted in his faith.  If I look at the verses above I can see how he tried to love us like these verses.  He was the Spiritual head of our household.  He talked about patience, faithfulness, and being responsible to us on a regular basis.  He was an excellent example, and a wonderful dad.  Thank you for being the right amount of love and discipline, love you dad!

My husband is such a wonderful man, and I love him more today than ever before.  He work hard everyday to provide a good life for me and our daughter.  The majority of his workdays last about 14 hrs, but even though he is tired, he almost never misses bedtime stories or time with his girls.  He is quiet about his Faith, but it is strong. I know that he prays for us, and makes sacrifices for us that are often unnoticed and unspoken.  He may be the best example of verse 5, a love that is not self-seeking.  He is a great father. I am privileged to be able to share parenting with a man that always hopes, always protects, always trusts, and always rejoices in our accomplishments.  Thank you for all that you do for us, love you!

As part of my marriage, I was given my father-in-law.  He is about the nicest man ever!  It is hard to imagine him ever being mean to anyone.  I think the best way to describe him is steadfast and faithful.   If there is one thing for sure about him, it is that you can count on him.  If you ask him to be at HEB at 6am wearing a banana suit, he would be there ready and willing to do whatever you need him to do.  He is not a man of many words, but he doesn’t need them, because his actions are loud enough.  Faithful, loving, and willing he is a wonderful father and father-in-law.

I believe that there is something special in a father’s love.  The fathers in my life are all good examples of faithful loving men.  I am grateful to the Lord, to have these extraordinary men in my life.  My dad, husband and father-in-law each offer pieces of the verses above; together they complete the definition for me, and my daughter.  God Bless each of you and I love you all so very much!

3 comments: