A Tribute to Fathers

Barbequed ribs in the backyard.  Sunday afternoons drives.  Standing outside watching the weather come in.  Sitting on the hood of the car eating fried chicken at the stock car races.  Vicki and me playing dolls in the back of the demonstrator station wagon Daddy brought home for the weekend.  Riding in the Lubbock, Texas parade in Daddy’s three wheeled car.  Vacations to the mountains.  Daddy’s annual golf coaching tip:  Keep your head down and your eye on the ball.  Horseback trail rides at dude ranches.  Texas Tech season basketball tickets.  Daddy sticking his tongue out and making silly faces to make us laugh.  Poems for every birthday or special occasion.  Gunsmoke.   Crossword puzzles.  Playing gin rummy.  He always knew every card in my hand and obviously won. 

 

My earliest memories of Daddy are filled with love.  Dark and tan, my daddy was a good looking man, great conversationalist, friend to all, and great father.  Whether he was teaching me to ride a bike, drive a car, or delivering gas when I ran out on the side of the road or a car key because I locked my keys in my car for the umpteenth time, he was patient.  He literally never said a cross word to me.  He never lost his temper.  

 

My later teen years included watching him pour over his Bible, with pen in hand, making notes.  Since he came to know Christ in his forties, he couldn’t understand why some of his Christian friends hadn’t talked to him about his relationship, or lack thereof, with God.  Daddy didn’t want other men to experience what he had – years without a personal relationship with Jesus.  Therefore, he would caringly ask when it came up in a conversation, “If you were to die tonight, do you know for sure you’d go to heaven?”  If someone said they weren’t sure, Daddy would ask if they’d like to know how they could be assured.  He wasn’t a “brow beater.”  He was a friend to his friends, available to talk about spiritual matters that many won’t talk about.  People loved Daddy.

 

Daddy taught me by example that it’s okay to laugh at yourself.  Once when he was teaching a class, he said, “There’s one thing I’ll never forget.  Of all the things that are important, this is the most, and I’ll never, ever forget it.”  Then, Daddy paused.  Sitting on the front row, I squirmed a bit wondering why Daddy didn’t go on and tell us this significant point that he’d built up so much.  Finally, he grinned his famous grin and with laughter in his eyes, said, “Well, I just forgot it.”  The class roared with laughter.  On another occasion, a preacher prayed for Daddy before he spoke, “God, please bless this crude instrument.”  Daddy cracked up over that one. 

 

I saw Daddy kissing Mama at the kitchen sink, in the car, goodnight, and every morning before he left for work.  I saw Daddy and Mama argue and I saw them make up.  I saw commitment lived out.  I saw Daddy open the car door for Mama.  Little did I realize all the ways Daddy was mentoring me in what to look for in a husband. 

 

My daddy is in heaven.  He’s been gone a long time, but the memory of him is still very much alive.  I have a glorious image of what my heavenly Father is like because of what Daddy was like:  loving, gracious, forgiving, patient, a provider, charismatic, joy-filled, faithful. 

 

I’m thankful for my earthly father.  I’m thankful for my Heavenly Father.  I’m thankful for the man I married who is such an incredible father to our children.  Have you hugged your father lately or your children’s father?  Have you told them how much you appreciate them? Have you told your Heavenly Father?  If not, this weekend is a wonderful time to express your love.  What about those whose fathers haven’t modeled God’s love, who have disheartened rather than encouraged; left rather than stayed?  God has provided Himself.  “Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Lift up a song for Him who rides through the deserts, Whose name is the Lord and exult before Him. A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, is God in His holy habitation. God makes a home for the lonely,” Psalm 68:4-6a. 

 

I pray this Father’s Day, you’ll not only turn your eyes to earthly fathers, but you’ll also turn them heavenward and thank your Heavenly Father for who He is and all He’s done for you.

Happy Father’s Day! 

 

Share

2 thoughts on “A Tribute to Fathers

  1. I have buyed many products on line.Cool.I found some good sites,whose pruducts have gained

    popularity among socialites and celebrities.From these sites,several of my friends buyed

    products.The Website including

    louis vuitton
    lv
    louis vuitton

    wallets
    louis vuitton

    purses
    louis vuitton

    sunglasses
    louis vuitton bags
    louis vuitton

    handbags
    lv
    louis

    vuitton bags
    louis vuitton

    outlet

    louis vuitton
    lv
    louis vuitton wallets
    louis vuitton purses
    louis vuitton

    sunglasses
    louis vuitton shoes
    louis vuitton bags
    louis vuitton handbags
    lv
    louis vuitton

    bags

    cheap uggs boots
    cheap ugg
    ugg outlet
    uggs outlet
    cheap ugg boots
    discount uggs
    uggs on sale
    ugg boots cheap
    cheap ugg boots on sale
    cheap uggs on sale
    discount uggs on sale
    ugg classic boots sale
    cheap ugg boots for

    sale online
    cheap ugg boots wholesale
    cheap ugg classic

    boots on sale
    UGG classic boots
    cheap ugg classic boots
    ugg discount boots
    discount uggs boots
    discounted ugg boots
    uggs for cheap
    ugg tall boots
    ugg short boots
    ugg boots sale
    ugg boots on sale
    ugg boots on cheap
    ugg discount
    cheap ugg boots for

    women
    cheap ugg boots online

    ugg boots cheap
    cheap ugg boots
    discount uggs
    uggs on sale
    cheap ugg boots on sale
    cheap uggs on sale
    discount uggs on sale
    ugg classic boots sale
    cheap ugg boots for sale

    online
    cheap ugg boots wholesale
    cheap ugg classic

    boots on sale
    UGG classic boots
    cheap ugg classic boots
    ugg discount boots
    discount uggs boots
    discounted ugg boots
    cheap uggs boots
    uggs for cheap
    ugg tall boots
    ugg short boots
    ugg boots sale
    ugg boots on sale
    ugg boots on cheap
    ugg discount
    cheap ugg boots for

    women
    cheap ugg boots online
    cheap ugg boots for sale
    cheap ugg boots for Kids
    cheap ugg boots on sale
    cheap ugg boots for

    sale online
    cheap ugg boots

    wholesale
    cheap ugg boots for

    girls
    cheap ugg classic
    cheap ugg classic tall

    boots
    cheap ugg classic cardy

    boots
    cheap ugg classic short

    boots
    UGG Slippers
    UGG Slippers for women
    ugg slippers for women

    uk
    cheap ugg slippers for

    women
    UGG Slippers for men
    ugg slippers for men on

    sale
    UGG Slippers for men uk
    UGG Slippers on sale
    ugg slippers on sale

    for women
    womens ugg slippers on

    sale
    coquette ugg slippers on

    sale
    UGG Slippers sale
    mens ugg slippers sale
    UGG Slippers cheap
    ugg slippers discount
    ugg slippers discounted
    ugg slippers for kids
    ugg slippers clearance
    mens ugg slippers

    clearance
    ugg slippers outlet
    UGG Sandals
    ugg sandals for women
    ugg sandals on sale
    ugg sandals men
    ugg sandals for men
    ugg sandals women
    ugg sandals sale
    ugg sandals halendi
    ugg sandals amazon
    ugg sandals clearance
    UGG Sneakers
    ugg sneakers for women
    ugg sneakers women
    ugg sneakers uk
    ugg sneakers evera
    mens ugg sneakers
    UGG Classic Sheepskin

    Glove
    ugg sheepskin gloves
    fingerless sheepskin

    gloves
    ugg shearling gloves
    ugg igloo gloves
    ugg fingerless gloves
    ugg men's gloves
    ugg australia gloves
    ugg long gloves
    ugg gloves sale
    ugg gloves women
    ugg gloves black
    ugg gloves australia
    ugg gloves uk
    ugg gloves cheap
    ugg gloves and mittens
    mens ugg gloves
    black ugg gloves
    UGG Fringe Cardy Knit

    Boots
    ugg cardy boots
    ugg cardy boots reviews
    ugg cardy boots sizing
    ugg fringe cardy boots
    ugg boots classic cardy
    ugg cardy reviews
    ugg cable knit boots
    ugg classic argyle knit

    boots
    cheap ugg knit boots
    ugg knit boots with

    buttons
    UGG Classic Kids Boots
    ugg boots for kids
    ugg boots for kids on

    sale
    ugg boots for kids cheap
    ugg boots for kids uk
    ugg boots for kids

    canada
    fake ugg boots for kids
    discount ugg boots for

    kids
    clearance ugg boots for

    kids
    pink ugg boots for kids
    replica ugg boots for

    kids
    purple ugg boots for

    kids
    ugg style boots for kids
    ugg kids boots
    ugg kids boots sale
    ugg kids boots clearance
    ugg kids boots on sale
    ugg kensington kids

    boots
    ugg kids cardy boots
    ugg kids cardy
    ugg kids cardy ii
    ugg kids cardy pink

    multi
    ugg kids classic tall
    ugg kids classic

    tall marquis knit
    ugg kids

    classic tall stripe cable knit
    ugg kids lil sunshine
    ugg kids size chart
    ugg kensington kids
    ugg kensington kids

    boots
    ugg look alikes for kids
    ugg knockoffs for kids
    ugg shoes for kids
    ugg boots on sale for

    kids
    ugg style boots for kids
    uggs for kids on sale
    uggs for kids outlet
    UGG Kenly Boots
    ugg kenly grey
    ugg kenly reviews
    ugg kenly chocolate
    ugg kenly espresso
    womens ugg kenly boots
    cheap ugg kenly
    women's ugg kenly
    UGG Adirondack Boots
    UGG Adirondack Boots ii
    UGG Adirondack Boots

    men's
    UGG Adirondack Boots uk
    UGG Adirondack Boots

    tall
    ugg adirondack boots

    canada
    ugg adirondack ii
    ugg adirondack ii sale
    ugg adirondack ii boots
    ugg adirondack tall

    boots
    ugg adirondack sale
    UGG Adirondack Boots ii

    sale
    UGG Adirondack Boots ii

    otter
    ugg adirondack boot

    reviews
    ugg adirondack boot

    otter
    UGG brookfield tall

    Boots
    ugg brookfield tall
    UGG brookfield Boots
    ugg brookfield short
    ugg brookfield black
    UGG Classic Argyle Boots
    ugg argyle boots on sale
    ugg argyle boots sale
    ugg argyle knit boots
    ugg argyle knit
    ugg argyle Boots
    ugg argyle Boots on sale
    ugg argyle Boots sale
    ugg argyle UK
    ugg argyle review
    ugg argyle knit uk
    UGG Classic Bailey

    Button Boots
    UGG Bailey Button Boots
    bailey button triplet

    uggs
    bailey button uggs
    bailey button ugg

    boots on sale
    UGG Bailey Button

    Boots on sale
    UGG Bailey Button

    Boots leopard
    UGG Bailey Button Boots

    kids
    UGG Bailey Button Boots

    sale
    UGG Bailey Button Boots

    cheap
    UGG Bailey Button

    Boots cheatnut
    UGG Bailey Button Boots

    uk
    UGG Bailey Button Boots

    5803
    UGG Bailey Button

    Boots reviews
    UGG Bailey Button Boots

    black
    ugg bailey button

    triplet
    ugg bailey button on

    sale
    ugg bailey button bomber
    ugg bailey button

    triplet boot
    ugg bailey button review
    ugg bailey button

    triplet kids
    ugg bailey button

    triplet sale
    ugg bailey button toddle
    bailey button uggs sale
    UGG Classic Cardy Boots
    UGG Classic Cardy sale
    UGG Classic Cardy review
    UGG Classic Cardy black
    UGG Classic Cardy on

    sale
    UGG Classic Cardy moss
    UGG Classic Cardy

    oatmeal
    UGG Classic Cardy greys
    UGG Classic Cardy tall
    UGG Classic Cardy fig
    UGG Cardy fig
    UGG Cardy boots
    UGG Cardy sale
    UGG Cardy boots on sale
    UGG Cardy review
    UGG Cardy kids
    UGG Cardy boots sale
    UGG Cardy ii
    UGG Cardy sizing
    UGG Classic Crochet

    Boots
    ugg suburb crochet boots
    UGG Crochet Boots
    ugg crochet boots sale
    ugg crochet collection
    UGG Classic Mini Boots
    UGG Mini Boots on sale
    UGG Mini Boots uk
    ugg mini mel
    UGG Mini Classic
    ugg mini black
    classic ugg mini
    ugg mini mel large
    ugg mini mel pink
    UGG Classic Short Boots
    UGG Classic Short

    Boots on sale
    UGG Classic Short

    Boots black 5825
    UGG Classic Short

    Boots chestnut
    UGG Classic Short Boots

    black
    UGG Classic Short Boots

    gray
    women's UGG Classic

    Short Boots
    cheap UGG Classic Short

    Boots
    UGG Short Boots on sale
    UGG Short Boots sale
    black UGG Short Boots
    ugg short black boots
    ugg australia

    classic short boots
    classic short boots
    UGG Classic Tall Boots
    UGG Classic Tall Boots

    on sale
    UGG Classic Tall Boots

    chestnut
    UGG Classic Tall Boots

    black
    UGG Classic Tall Boots

    gray
    cheap UGG Classic Tall

    Boots
    UGG Classic Tall wool
    UGG Classic Tall sale
    UGG Classic Tall

    cheatnut
    ugg classic tall wool

    stripe
    ugg classic tall black
    ugg classic tall

    blackberry wine
    ugg classic tall fancy

    women's
    ugg classic tall fancy

    boot
    ugg classic tall logo
    ugg classic tall

    metallic
    ugg classic tall

    metallic boot
    UGG Classic Tall

    Romantic Flower
    ugg classic tall

    romantic flower 5802
    ugg romantic flower boot
    ugg romantic flower

    boot on sale
    UGG Classic Tall

    Stripe Cable Knit
    UGG Tall Stripe Cable

    Knit
    UGG Classic Stripe Cable

    Knit
    UGG Classic

    Tall Stripe Cable Knit boots
    UGG Stripe Cable Knit

    boots
    UGG Elsey Boots
    UGG Elsey Boots on sale
    UGG Elsey wedge
    UGG Elsey wedge boots
    UGG Gissella Boots
    UGG Gissella black
    UGG Gissella review
    UGG Gissella uk
    UGG Gissella
    UGG Highkoo Boots
    Highkoo uggs
    highkoo boot by ugg
    Highkoo ii uggs
    Highkoo ii
    highkoo ruched boot ugg
    UGG Infant Erin Boots
    UGG Infant Erin
    UGG Infant Boots
    UGG Infant Boo
    ugg infant booties
    ugg infant snowsuit
    ugg infant shoes
    UGG Erin pink
    UGG Erin blue
    UGG Erin sale
    UGG Erin baby
    UGG jimmy choo
    ugg jimmy choo siobhan
    ugg jimmy choo uk
    ugg jimmy choo price
    ugg jimmy choo

    collaboration
    nicky hilton ugg jimmy

    choo
    UGG Knightsbridge Boots
    UGG Knightsbridge Boots

    black
    women's UGG

    Knightsbridge Boots
    UGG Knightsbridge Boots

    uk
    UGG Knightsbridge Boots

    sale
    UGG Knightsbridge Boots

    5119
    ugg

    knightsbridge boots women's reviews
    UGG Knightsbridge review
    UGG Knightsbridge size

    10
    UGG Knightsbridge black

    size 7
    UGG Knightsbridge 5119
    UGG Knightsbridge black
    UGG Knightsbridge grey
    UGG Knightsbridge sale
    ugg knightsbridge

    espresso
    UGG Langley Boots
    UGG Langley Boots on

    sale
    ugg langley silt
    UGG Metallic Boots
    UGG Metallic cardy
    UGG Metallic logo
    UGG Metallic copper
    UGG New Style Boots
    UGG Nightfall Boots
    genuine ugg nightfall

    boots
    UGG Nightfall Boots sale
    UGG Nightfall Boots

    chestnut
    UGG Nightfall Boots uk
    UGG Nightfall uk
    UGG Nightfall black
    UGG Nightfall 5339
    UGG Nightfall review
    UGG Sheepskin Cuff Boots
    UGG Sheepskin Cuff Boot

    review
    UGG Sheepskin Cuff Boot

    uk
    UGG Sheepskin Cuff
    UGG stella tall Boots
    UGG Suburb Crochet Tall

    Boots
    UGG Suburb Crochet Tall

    black
    UGG Sunburst Boots
    UGG Sunburst tall
    UGG Sunburst tall black
    UGG Sunburst uk
    UGG Sunburst tall sale
    UGG Sunburst cheap
    UGG Sundance II black
    UGG Sundance II chestnut
    UGG Sundance 2
    ugg sundance limited

    edition
    UGG Tess Suede Boots
    UGG Tess boots
    ugg suede boots 5230
    UGG Ultra Short Boots
    UGG Ultra Short Boots uk
    UGG Ultra Short 5225
    UGG Ultra Short sale
    UGG Ultra Tall Boots
    UGG Ultra Tall balck
    UGG Ultra Tall cheatnut
    UGG Ultra Tall review
    UGG Ultra Tall uk
    UGG Ultra Tall 5245
    UGG Upside Boots
    UGG Upside 5163
    ugg handbags on sale
    ugg handbags uk
    cheap ugg handbags
    ugg handbags sale

Comments are closed.