Reposted in honor of my brother's first father's day.
You're turning out to be a pretty good dad, kiddo! Keep it up. Your precious daughter is learning more than you can imagine, every day.
You're turning out to be a pretty good dad, kiddo! Keep it up. Your precious daughter is learning more than you can imagine, every day.
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Today is the day we celebrate Dads.
Deciders
Answer-givers
Dragon-slayers
Supporters
I remember when I was a kid there was a rustic,
burnt-wood sign in our family room (suspiciously near the corner where I spent
quality time when I was being 'lippy' that said, "Anyone can be a father, but
it takes someone special to be a daddy." At the time I thought it was just
a cute play on words. As I grew up, I learned the real significance of that cheesy plaque.
Dads are the guys who stick around.
I've learned that dads are the real men. The men who make
the hard choices. The men who put the needs of their children ahead of their
own wants. The men who work extra hours to buy barbies and bycicles and prom
dresses. The men who listen to endless stories about strange children and
stranger tv shows. The men who teach their children to catch a ball, to drive,
and to dance.
The men who are there.
As frustrating as it is for moms, it seems to be dad's praise that kids crave most. It's generally dad's approval they seek. It's dad's time that is most precious.
Perhaps that's because (for most of us) mom's love is a given. She is there. She is constant. She bore us. It's too easy to take her for granted (I'm not saying we should, but this is Father's day). Deep down, we all know dad had a choice.
Whether they know it or not, whether they accept it or not, whether we accept it or not, our dads represent our first impression of God, our heavenly Father.
Is it any wonder that some people turn from God, when their own fathers turn from them? That they fear God, when their own fathers hurt them? That they cannot trust God, because their own fathers betrayed them? This note is not for the rotten or evil dads. They are distortions; selfish shadows filling the world with hurt and hate. We don't celebrate them.
The ones who teach us to see and hear God through the things they
say and do.
Dad says "I want to hear your good news. I want to
celebrate with you. I want to hug and high-five and shout when you succeed. I
will cheer loudest at your victories and embarrass you with my joy."
Dad says "I want to be there for you during the hard times. I want to help you in any way I can. I want to fix everything so that you never have to suffer. Some things I cannot fix. I'm sorry - more sorry than you can know. But know that seeing you suffer hurts me, too."
Dad says "I want to keep you safe. I worry about you
all the time. I will always protect you any way I can. And if the mean, ugly
things of the world hurt you anyway, come to me. I will help you heal."
Dad says "No matter what you've done, I'm here. I'd give my life for you."
Dad says "I want to give you everything you wish
for. Sometimes I can't, but I want to. I want you to have it all. Anything I
have - just ask."
Dad says "My greatest joy is seeing you. I love
hearing your voice. I like seeing your face. Make room for me in your
life."
Dad says "I love you, no matter what."
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| The card says: "Smile, 'cause Dad says so." |
Thanks, dad(s) for being there.
God is smiling on you.
He likes what you're teaching us to hear.
