The Blessing of an Impactful Father

We had a very enjoyable Father’s Day today.  After the girls gave Daddy some gifts, and we all ate a large and leisurely breakfast, we headed off to church.  Pastor Willie Richardson was preaching about fathers, as he often does on Father’s Day.  He explained the six qualities of an impactful father.

Impactful Father’s . . . .

Are Good Examples to Follow

Demonstrate Loving Care of their Children

Show Love to their Children’s Mother

Live a Godly Life

Give Wise Advice

Teach Sound Principles to Live by

I was blessed to sit next to Pete and to see all of these qualities in him.  I could not ask for a better father for my little girls.  But I was doubly blessed to reflect on my own father, and how soundly he embodies these qualities.

My father is most certainly a giver of wise advice.  I am much more appreciative of this advice now that I am an adult.  He’s been around a while, and he knows a lot of things.  Peter and I both call him often for the day-to-day things that come up – landscaping questions (all the time!), plumbing issues, pest control, vacation destinations,-the man knows a lot!  We also have complete confidence in the advice he provides about the bigger things – financial matters, parenting, spirituality, career decisions, planning for the future.

My father is a teacher of sound principles.  Many times his teaching is by example; sometimes by instruction.  There are a few gems that he’s mentioned more than a few times, “Don’t ever carry credit card debt.  Turn the heat down at night and wear garments.  Always signal when changing lanes.  Leaves of three; let it be.”  Then there is the teaching by example he has provided over the course of his lifetime. 

My father has always been a good example to follow.  He is consistent, trustworthy and dependable in all things.  He takes care of his grandchildren.  He takes care of his 90 year old mother. He manages the church finances. He is constantly looking after others.  I have especially enjoyed observing his continued spiritual growth and maturity, as I have grown into an adult.  He continues to change, grow, and strive to improve himself, as I too hope to do the same.  I’ve observed his courage, his work ethic, his ideals, and his willingness to sacrifice.  He’s given me the example of taking such good care of me, in all ways, that as a parent all I can hope is that I’ll be able to do the same for my kids. 

My father has always demonstrated his loving care of his children.  As a child I always knew my father worked very hard.  Mom did a good job of pointing out the sacrifices he made for his family, which included working 10 hour days in 100 degree summer heat, and coming home to three hours of bookwork to manage his landscaping business.  His hard work was certainly part of his loving care, as well as the memories that he created for his family.  He made sure that the family vacationed together every summer, and chose destinations that would enrich our lives through surrounding us with nature, and experiences like horseback riding, boating, camping.  As an adult, my father continues to demonstrate his loving care.  Whether he is changing all the dead light bulbs in my house, caring for my exhausting children, putting a fence around my vegetable garden, or giving us his car, his loving care is always evident.

My father has always shown love to my mother.  Whether it was through rubbing her back, cleaning the house, or searching for the perfect gift, his love has always been apparent.  It was the evidence of this love that led me to have very high standards for a husband.  I knew that my husband better treat me at least as well as Dad treated Mom!  (And yes, he does.  Come to think of it, he is always rubbing my back, cleaning the house, and searching for the perfect gift for me.)

My father has always lived a godly life.  His focus has been on following Jesus, and on seeing the big picture of God’s plan, and eternity, when troubles arise.  After observing him for my 35 years of life, it is apparent that his heart is set on Jesus, and his faith is sure.  The example of a godly life, and the instruction that nothing is more important than this, is certainly the greatest gift that my father has given me.  To know my earthly father’s love for me makes me all the more excited to experience the depths of my heavenly father’s love fore me.

Of course my father is not a perfect man, nor has he been a perfect father, since that is something that does not exist.  I can recall clearly how infuriated my father and I both made each other, many times, during my teenaged years.  I expect my daughters will have their moments with their father as well.  But I am so grateful to be able to view my father with the maturity of an adult, and the eyes of a parent, and to see just how impactful my father has been.  It is also a blessing to see the impact that my father has had on my husband, and on my children.   It is a privilege to be able to say, Thanks Dad!!!  I love you!

Happy Father's Day to all of the Dad's, Uncles and Papas!