Father's Day

I love Father's Day. I love it because it reminds me that there's good purpose, good fruit in living out a common, behind-the-scenes life that propagates God's perfect design. Fatherhood is noble work that's somewhat relegated as of lesser importance in the scheme of our American culture. Manhood and success are often measured in so many other ways that require quick returns and immediate satisfaction. Being a parent necessitates stamina, long-suffering, patience, vision and tenacity, not to mention immeasurable amounts of love while expecting nothing in return. Sometimes however, in fact oftentimes, the returns are abundant, and they seem to rise to the top on Father's Day. These are things I had the privilege of reaping that day when I opened the various cards my kids gave to me and read them (from Austin, Meagan, Annie & Barret):

• "... your wisdom, compassion, and gentleness are an example to me...",
• "... you're my faithful friend, hero, and role model."
• "You have... put me and others before yourself."
• "I feel like I'm the luckiest son in the world..."
• "I love you so much..."

Poppy & Willow also wrote some things, but they were illegible. (Pretty cute!)

I suppose one might read this and think it's rather self-inflating. O' to the contrary, it's quite humbling. I write these things because they bring joy to my heart, but also because I want my children to read them, cherish them, and also know that I treasure them in my heart even though I don't often feel any of them in my common routine of life. It's so nice to be reminded from to time that good things are happening. I need to hear and read these things, and my children need to express them.

My Father's Day last week was a sweet, non-eventful gathering of all who could be there, even Kristen (Meagan's sister now living with us for the summer). Calls from Annie and Austin were wonderful gifts and served as second-best to being there in person. I love my kids so much that I felt myself on the verge of tears throughout the day. After hanging up the telephone with Austin in the early afternoon I just couldn't help myself and had to shed a few in the presence of Victoria and Barret. Tears of joy, of course, that led to a cause for thankful prayer to my Father who desires to hear these same expressions of gratitude and praise from me more often than I do. "Thank you, kids, for your kindheartedness and for reminding me of who I am in Christ and what I am to the Father."

I Love You, Kids!

Dad/Tom