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!
