Dad was a handsome man's man, a southern gentleman and a sharp dresser. When I was little and he got home from work I remember talking to him as he laid out his suit for the next day. He always let us help pick out the tie. I learned early on to put my outfit together the night before. While we loved clothes, we both would rather be in a bathing suit! Dad served in the Army and had a great love of God and country. He always teared up when he heard the National Anthem. He had a big heart for Mom, his children, grandchildren, salt water, boating, fun and travel.
When I think of the most important thing my dad handed down, it is faith. And I believe it came from his mother whom I adored! We were very close and I learned from watching her - she never preached to me. 2 Timothy 1: 3-7, "I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." Apostle Paul recalls the faith that Timothy's mother and grandmother passed on. Timothy carried those traces of faith with him.
Mom gave me a book that I had given to Dad years before. Because I considered Dad a friend also, I filled out a friendship book for him and it asked what our similarities are. My response was, "We share lots of similarities. The most special is our faith... Next we share the love of salt water. We believe it heals physically and mentally. We love to sit outside and chances are we will be barefooted. We love to sit on a porch and watch the rain or a thunder storm. We love to take a nap on the water with a cool breeze blowing. The one similarity that is not so great is when we are through, we are through. Done! Finished!" Now I got a lot of good traits from Dad but I also got this one. You know the saying, "once burnt, twice learnt!" As wonderful as he was, he was human and not perfect. None of us are perfect! But we do have a perfect Father - our Heavenly Father!
Maybe you have a wonderful dad and wonderful memories - celebrate that! Maybe you have lost your Dad. Maybe you have no good memories. Maybe your dad was absent. Maybe your dad scarred you. Maybe you are trying to be a good dad but feel like you fail. Maybe you failed as a dad and carry shame and guilt. Maybe you are a single mom that acts as the father. No matter where you fit in, God has immeasurable grace and healing for you. He wants you to come to Him because He is your Father, your Heavenly Father.
God longs for us to spend time with Him, we are His children. Matthew 19: 14, "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'” He wants us to know His love and to let it be the foundation of all we do. As much as He wants us to do, He wants most our hearts! He wanted that so bad that He sacrificed His only Son for our sins. John 3: 16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." He is a good, good Father. He wants us to have His traits! When people see us, He wants them to see Him! Run to Him with open arms and an open heart for an eternal life with Him! He will never leave you or forsake you!
Happy Father's day, Dad! I miss you but we'll be together again with our Heavenly Father!
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