You know how some thoughts can make you so sad and thankful from the bottom of your heart at the same time?
Let me see if I can explain a little better.
I have a truly amazing dad!
(This is the thankful part)
(This is the thankful part)
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He is generous.
With everything from his resources to his time. He will drop whatever he is working on the help someone who needs it. And if you ever need to fit a ridiculous amount of stuff into a car - he is the guy to call to pack it!
He is supportive.
When I wanted to go to college in another state, he supported me and even drove 16 hours in a day just so I could spend a weekend at home.
(I've kinda been a daddy's girl since the very beginning!)
(I've kinda been a daddy's girl since the very beginning!)
He taught me discipline and how to respect others.
These were more lessons I learned from watching him. The discipline to go to work every day. The discipline of saving and only spending money you have. The way he treats the people around him, no matter who they are, with respect. (Wellllll, this one does not always necessarily apply if you are a "blind" football referee or an Iowa football fan - sorry if any of my readers are from Iowa. Go Gophers! - that's for you dad! I'm just kidding, he is nice to everyone.)
He always goes out of his way to spend time with me.
When I was little we would go on dad and daughter dates. We would get all dressed up, and spend the evening just the two of us. (Look at me rocking the socks with sandals look!)
I could go on and on...and really my words here could not possibly convey how
blessed I have been by my dad.
blessed I have been by my dad.
So, what could I possible have to be sad about?!
What makes my heart hurt is that there are so many people out there who don't get to know their dad. What that smiling girl in that beautiful purple dress (made by her grandma!) in the picture above didn't know was that many little girls don't get to go on dad and daughter dates. Or worse - there are little girls who have a dad that is not supporting and encouraging of them, and instead they have a dad that is critical and demeaning. Or maybe a dad who is even abuses them. The thought of this makes my heart hurt. The list of "or" could go on and on...Father's Day for me is a joyful day filled with thankfulness that I have a dad who loves me so much, but I am sure for many people in the world Father's Day is just another Sunday. They think they have nothing to celebrate...
But wait! There is more. My heavy heart for all the people who have not had great earthly fathers is lifted by this truth: no matter what your earthly father was like, we all have a heavenly Father (re-enter thankfulness!) who is infinitely mighty, infinitely just, infinitely powerful, and Hallelujah - HE LOVES YOU! Yes, you! If you are reading this and you had a crapy "earthy father experience" and on this Father's Day you are feeling like you have nothing to celebrate - you are wrong. (sorry to be so blunt about it...but it's the truth!) This Father's Day take a minute to celebrate and say thank you to the one Father who will ALWAYS be there for you.
God wants you to know
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
I am so thankful that I have a bunch of fathers to celebrate this Father's Day.
I love the beauty and balance in the three facets of this post. I smiled with your memories and your tribute to your father, grieved with you for those who never experience such things, then exulted with you when you brought the focus around to our heavenly Father, the perfection of loving fatherhood Who will never leave or forsake His children. Thank you for this lovely Father's Day post!
ReplyDeleteI always feel sad for my 2 beautiful little nieces because their daddy doesn't even pick up the phone to speak to them... I won't say any more because not wise to. However, thank you for this encouraging post, i.e. "no matter what your earthly father was like, we all have a heavenly Father (re-enter thankfulness!) who is infinitely mighty, infinitely just, infinitely powerful, and Hallelujah - HE LOVES YOU!"
ReplyDeleteThank you for this heart stirring post and for linking up with Scripture Sunday this week. It's been a blessing to sit a while and ponder this post.
Have a great week :D
I wrote about just this on my blog today. Coming to you from Lorraine's blog! This is a beautiful post! Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post... !!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had such a blessing of a Dad. Makes me happpppy for you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing to have had such a beautiful relationship with your daddy. I did not grow up in a Christian home. But I do know my daddy loved me and did the best he could.
ReplyDeleteLOVE THIS!
ReplyDelete(Part of me was always a bit envious of your relationship with your dad! But it's such a beautiful example...)
ReplyDeleteOh, sweet Veronica, this is such a wonderful post. The photos and the thoughts on your own dad is a lovely tribute to his love and care for you. I love that you linked to Think on These Things!
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet tribute to your earthly father...and such true words about our Heavenly Father!
ReplyDelete(Thanks for visiting me at Thinking About Home, and for leaving your kind words.)