Happy Father's Day!

I'm a little late on my Father's Day tribute post, but better late than never.☺

I am genuinely grateful to be still able to celebrate Father's Day with my dad, who turns 92 this year. He is a man whose qualities inspire me daily. One of the most admirable traits he possesses is his unwavering dedication to prayer. It gives me immense comfort to know that he is always there for us, ready to lift our concerns to God in prayer. His commitment to interceding for our family is a constant source of strength and reassurance, and I rely on him when it comes to sharing our prayer requests.

In any significant events or important moments in our lives, we make it a point to call my parents and request their intercession. This tradition was especially poignant leading up to my son's recent surgery. Just a couple of days after the procedure, my parents came over to our house, eager to pray for their grandson's recovery. Even though my son was drowsy from the medication, my dad gently laid his hands on him and prayed fervently. I could sense the depth of his faith as he spoke, declaring the promises of God over his grandson's life, as he has always done for our family.

This gesture of love and faith reassures me that my dad's source of strength comes from a spiritual foundation that has significantly grown over the many years he has been a Jesus follower. I am thankful for the example of his steadfast faith as he continues to model it for us.

I know my dad's unwavering dedication to prayer is rooted in his understanding of the Word of God. Growing up, our family made it a habit to hold weekly Bible studies, a time when we would gather in the living room with our Bibles and hymnals, surrounded by a sense of curiosity. Whenever any of us kids had a question—whether it was about a parable or a challenging doctrine—we would turn to our dad, who always seemed to have a thoughtful answer available. He would expertly guide us to specific passages, encouraging us to explore the scripture more deeply and allowing the biblical text to speak for itself. He was, in many ways, our personal Bible app, equipped with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching.

His collection of Bibles, each marked with notes and highlighted verses, is a testament to his countless hours of study and devotion. The covers are well-worn, the pages soft and fragile from his many readings, often accompanied by handwritten annotations that captured insights and revelations he gained over the years. This practice not only deepened his faith but also created a foundation of spiritual growth for all of us.

I am also honored to celebrate my husband on this Father's Day. This particular year, he took it up a notch in his role as a dad. The other day, my older son expressed a desire to take a shower, and required assistance not necessarily from all of us, but it turned into a whole family affair.  My other two children eagerly jumped in to help their brother make the transition from his bed. With a blend of teamwork and laughter, they gently assisted him, lifting him from a horizontal position to a seated one, as he slowly maneuvered himself out of bed. Realizing we needed a safe way for our son to shower, I dashed down to the basement in search of one of the sturdy plastic chairs we used during our homeschooling days. The secured seat in the shower allowed him to sit comfortably while my husband attended to him.  

Our son has to wear his bandages and brace at all times. Even though my son will prop his leg outside the shower, my husband took the initiative to wrap our son's leg in Saran Wrap and carefully secure it with two trash bags for added waterproof protection. My son sat in our master bathroom shower, wearing his gym shorts, his plastic-covered leg draped outside the shower door, waiting for his dad. My husband, with his pants rolled up to his knees, was ready to tackle the task at hand. With careful movements, he gently washed our son's hair, lathering it with shampoo and rinsing it carefully so that it wouldn't get into his eyes, before moving on to wash his feet and scrub his back. My other two kids and I watched as my husband looked like he was in his happy place while serving our older son in his time of need. It was like back in the day when my husband used to bathe them as toddlers. It filled my heart with gratitude to witness this tender moment; I appreciate how my husband tangibly expresses his love and dedication to our children in his unique way. It's these thoughtful and straightforward acts of parenting that create lasting impressions for me.

My husband also dedicates time to pray and declare the powerful word of God over our children each day. As part of his nighttime routine, he takes a moment to release a father's blessing over them, a meaningful ritual that fosters connection and identity. Although he wasn't raised in a home where these practices were common, he has come to understand their significance. Through his commitment as a dad, he is not only cultivating a faith within himself but also instilling a strong sense of purpose and love in our children.

We have journeyed significantly in our parenting roles as our children have grown and changed, evolving into a partnership that thrives on understanding and respect. I've shifted from a mindset of control to one of collaboration, sharing with my husband the freedom to nurture and disciple our children in his authentic way, rather than adhering to the expectations I once held. My prayer is that our children will come to understand that their dad strives to approach parenting with the same loving guidance as our Heavenly Father. Even though it's trial and error at times, I hope they see the values of compassion, patience, and wisdom that shape our family dynamics. My desire is for them to take these teachings to heart, using them as a strong and meaningful foundation as they embark on their own journey into parenthood one day, navigating its joys and challenges with grace.

Wishing a heartfelt belated Father's Day to all the incredible dads out there! Whether you are a biological father, a stepdad, or a father figure, your presence is invaluable. The love, support, and guidance you provide shape lives and foster growth. We are truly grateful for your unwavering dedication and the countless ways you enrich our lives. Thank you for being the role models we look up to and for the sacrifices you make each day.