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!
Today I am joining with … Give Me Grace and Still Saturday and Spiritual Sundays and Sunday Stillness and Scripture & A Snapshot .
What a precious way to honor your father. My view of God came from my father, too. I never doubted God loved me. Have you heard the saying, “The best thing a father can do for his children is love their mother”? Daddy was (is) still in love with my mother and it has helped shape my marriage, too. ~Pamela
Pamela, I have heard that expression & fully agree as my parents will be celebrating their 59th in August!!! We are blessed to have such examples in our life. So grateful for your visit & for what you have shared!
What a special tribute to your dad, Joanne. My father passed away one month after my wedding. As the oldest child, I was the only one of four who had him at my wedding. Your picture put a large lump in my throat and a challenge in my heart to spend time remembering today. Thank you for that blessings ~
Pat, I am grateful for what you have shared. How special that your dad was there for your wedding & yet, I am sorry for your loss as well. As you remember him, may God show you something new & special to reveal not only your dad’s heart but our Father’s heart too. Blessings!
You are very fortunate! I hope you give this to your Dad for Father’s day – I’m sure it is the best gift he could receive. I’m sure knowing all his hard work is appreciated by you is the greatest gift of all!
Thank you, Laura. Many blessings this week be upon you & your children!
What a testimony to the truth of a godly heritage. You’re fortunate to have this story to tell. And I’m with June…make sure he sees this beautiful tribute.
Believe me, Lisha, I know I have been blessed. As have my children & grandchildren. He has blazed the way for the men in our family to also be wonderful dads. I love joining you for Give Me Grace.
Joanne, what a beautiful, loving tribute to your dad! As you well know, your dad and I (mom too) grew up attending the services in our wonderful church in the Bronx. We went from being adolescents to be being part of the youth group, to becoming parents; – we knew each other well. He was always in church; his Bible in hand. And now, more than 65 years later, he is still a man who loves the Lord, a man from whom the love of God emanates; not only to his own family, but others. I am proud to have known Dan and Betty all these years; a true brother and sister in Christ. Their lives are a testimony to the wonderful, keeping power of our Savior and Lord! Belated Happy Father’s and Mother’s Day wishes to Dad and Mom! —- I am just getting to catch up reading your blogs….all a true blessing to me! Love You!