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HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!!

They say a child’s impression of God comes from their father. All week I have been asking myself if this could possibly be true. So here are a few things my own dad conveyed to me ….

  • Faithfulness. I am sure there had to be at least one time he wanted to walk out. But he never did. Or if he did, it had to be after us kids were in bed and we never knew because he returned before we ever woke in the morning.  He has been there every day of my life.
  • Sacrifice. I can remember the year he took a second job at Korvette’s Department Store. He worked in the toy department. That Christmas we had gifts piled high to the ceiling – Life, Booby Trap, Tipsy Turvy, new markers, a table hockey game and more. I am not sure, but I think he took the night job just for us to have Christmas!
  • Provision. My dad worked hard. He always made sure we had what we needed. And he taught us to always be certain everyone had enough before taking a second helping. He taught us by example. He did not ever taking his second helping unless everyone at the table was done. So guess who was last at the table?
  • Humor. My dad always gave us a good time and much laughter. There was not a crazy thing he would not do or try if it meant everyone would laugh. He is still making his great-granddaughters laugh. They know who to go to for a good time.
  • Compassion. They say grown men don’t cry. My dad cries for which I am so grateful. I have not cried alone in life.
  • A love for God’s Word. He loves to converse. So many good conversations about Scripture and life over the years.
  • Love. I have always known my dad loves me. Never doubted it. Why? He told us often. He showed it more.
  • Generosity. He gave to us. He gave to others. And continues to give.
  • He stood by his promises. His word was his word. Even the times he said we were going to bed when we finished dinner. Even if it was summer. Even when we heard all the kids in the neighborhood playing outside. Yup, even then.
  • He delights to delight us.  He loves to see us be surprised and receive a surprise. I recently came home to a new pot because he was concerned about my cooking in my old one. Enough said.
  • A love for simplicity. So many Saturday night rides to Nathan’s for a hot dog and arcades. And then there were those stops at White Castle for hamburgers, after church on Sunday nights. How many boxes were we able to fold and stuff into one hamburger box? Remember that? Or a nice Italian ice on the walk home from church – always the large one and ended up dripping all over our Sunday clothes!

So it’s true!!! Absolutely true. My impression of my God did come from all my earthly dad conveyed to me about being a father. Not saying my dad was perfect, as he does have flaws (sorry Dad!) but then don’t we all? But I am grateful that he had more godly characteristics than flaws, the positive far outweighing the negative. And somehow all that he is has pointed me to these truths:

God is good.

All God does is for my good.

God is always faithful.

God will always protect me.

God’s Word is true.

God will delight me.

And takes delight IN me.

God loves me.

Every. Single. Day.

And…..

Nathan’s hotdogs are the best 🙂

Happy Father’s Day to my father. You are the best dad I could have had. You were the dad I needed. I love you!

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Today I am joining with … Give Me Grace and Still Saturday and Spiritual Sundays and Sunday Stillness and Scripture & A Snapshot .