Blessed Father's Day

  Once again, I am delighted to celebrate Father's Day, in honor of my husband.  I am grateful for the childhood memories with him in the making for our wee ones.  By God's grace, they will have a right perspective of what it means to have a loving father.

     He comes home, and is filthy.  Not just a little filthy; but, a LOT filthy.  Before he takes off his cap, you would think he had become ten shades darker.  Then, you see where his cap protected part of his forehead, which shows quite a stark contrast to the rest of his exposed face.

     His arms and hands look the same.  You can see that he is getting quite a nice tan, thanks to good DNA. :-)  Yet, before you see the tan, you see the filth; and, when you glance back at his face, you see a gleaming row of white teeth:  showing an irresistible smile, that always captivates your heart.

     The clothes... Oh, my.  That is not water that drenches them.  The blue jeans used to be a solid denim blue, too.  Now, they are transforming into a darker shade, mixed with lighter shades (where they are getting worn), than what you remember seeing them as, when first purchased.  Oh, and the holes.  Well, people actually pay lots of money, to get the look that he earns naturally.

     Ahh, married to a hardworking, God-fearing man.  Not just any man, though.  My man.  The father of our children.

     My children are blessed with a father who loves them.  In the scorching summer heat, he labors to insure that their needs are met.  Though tired from a strenuous work day, he is prepared to play with his older children, or give mama's arms a reprieve from holding our newest baby.  He chooses them, over himself, daily.  He desires their hearts.

     He sings to them from a soul full of worship unto our God.  He prays over them, desiring God's best for them.  He readily shares the glorious truths of God to their attentive, and easily distracted, ears.

     He is ever prepared to be tackled by a rambunctious li'l boy.  He happily anticipates the moments that his li'l girls come running for him, as soon as they hear he's arrived home. He gleefully enjoys our littlest one yearning for him, as soon as he hears Daddy's voice. He delights in his children.

     Children, for whom he achingly prayed for years; yearning to hear a li'l one say "Daddy," and mean it for him.   Children that have been used of God to refine him, and teach him of his relationship with his Heavenly Father.    Children who are the heritage of the Lord, not ever expected to receive, yet ever grateful and in awe that they are his.

     As his wife, and mother of his children, I get to observe their relationships with each other.  Beyond measure is my heart blessed, to see the love between them:  To watch how effortlessly our children rush to their daddy's arms for protection from their fears in the night; delighting in how cheerful our children are when they see him; catching Dear recognize himself in his children, and then voicing his appreciation to God for His love and long suffering with him; knowing that he does not take this role lightly, and seeks to guide our blessings as God would desire, is an incredible gift.

     My children will never have to doubt their father's love.  They will know that their daddy works hard, because he loves his God, and his family.  They will know that Daddy sees his work as a labor of love.

     They will never have to wonder if Daddy delights in them.  They will feel safe in Daddy's embrace.  They may want out of it from time to time, (especially if they are "wrastling"); but, they will never fear harm from it.

     They will delight in seeing Daddy come home.  Daddy will be their hero:  the best man there is; the strongest; the most handsome... Daddy will simply be the greatest!

     Our sons will want to be with their daddy:  to learn to be just like him.  Daddy will probably get swamped with lots of artwork, from adoring fans.  They will want their daddy's approval, and will most likely get it. :-) Our daughters will, someday, want a God-fearing, hard-working, loving man as their husbands...Just like they watched their daddy be.

     When Daddy comes home from a long day at work, our children's joyful laughter will rejuvenate those sore muscles.  Those hugs around his neck will melt his heart... Every time.

     Our children will excitedly await Daddy's Bible time with us.  Daddy always does it best!  He can amazingly transport us to Bible times, with his wide array of voices and imagination. He can explain the hard things so easily to us.  

     Our children will enjoy having Daddy sing to them.  His strong bass, and love for the Lord, make hymns and spiritual songs all that more potent.  They will probably join in with the singing, giving it all they have!

     Oh, how I love seeing my beloved, holding our children in his strong arms. Arms that are strong, yet can delicately hold a newborn. Happy Father's Day, Dear.  I love you!