Happy Father's Day

Several years ago my kids gave my husband a t-shirt for Father's Day that says:

DAD...A DAUGHTER'S FIRST LOVE AND A SON'S FIRST HERO.

In the best possible scenario, that is a touching description of the role of fatherhood, and lucky for us, my husband and I were both fortunate enough to grow up in the best possible scenario.

Dad...a daughter's first love...

My Dad got up early today and went out to buy donuts for my kids, and he came back from the store with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers for me. He is visiting from Arkansas, and our time together this weekend has been filled with laughter. I am an only child, and I have always looked up to my Dad. He truly is my "first love" and I love him still today as much as ever. We have had times in our lives when we have needed to forgive each other, and we've always been able to manage, because we've never lost the ability to laugh together. And because that's what love is. Love is patient, and love is kind. And believe you me, I have given this man plenty of opportunities to practice patience! Love is what a Daddy's girl feels for her Daddy no matter how old she gets.

Dad...a son's first hero...

We drove out to the farm tonight to celebrate Father's Day with Papa over a tray of Nana's outstanding enchiladas. Papa was there to greet us right when we arrived, just like always. Because that's who Papa is; the one who is always there...willing, able, and ready. When my husband was a boy, Papa used to wake at the crack of dawn to go on his paper route with him. Papa coached all the little league teams, and was the presiding "Bald Eagle" of Indian Guides. He believed that quality time came by quantities of time spent, and so this unsung hero was and is a constant positive presence in my husband's life. Papa went into town tonight to re-buy all the food I forgot to take up to the farm for dinner. Because that's what heroes do, you know. They swoop in to save the day.

I have been privileged to watch fatherhood mold and shape my husband into a strong, compassionate, humble man. A man who fears God, seeks God, and longs to demonstrate the love of God in the heart of his children. Fatherhood has helped build character, inspire dreams, foster communication, and create joy. I am proud to see how being a Dad has helped my man become confident and bold. I am also endeared to see how Emma, by her Very First Father's Day, has her Daddy right where he should be...wrapped around her precious, pudgy pinkie. He has had some worthy role models, and now this man is an amazing Dad in his own right.

Every Father's Day is special. A chance to honor those who we adore and depend on, but far too often take for granted. A chance to glorify our Heavenly Father, too. Today was extraordinarily meaningful for us on both counts, because on this very Father's Day my husband baptized both our sons. Max and Hayden have been asking to be baptized by submersion, and after speaking with our Children's Pastor, we felt they were ready. The Children's Pastor has been instrumental in our relationship with our church, and we are thankful for his leadership and friendship. He did verbal confessions with both boys, then their daddy got to dunk them!



Lord, we are blessed!!!

We believe that even the most well intending Dads will fall short of the mark at various points along the journey of fatherhood. We believe there is no higher calling than to teach our children about the love of Christ, for His is a love that will never fail, never disappoint, and never fall short. Ever. Today, we thank God for awesome earthly Dads, and we praise Him, for He is our First Love. Our Hero.