Today is my dad's 70th birthday party. If anyone's life deserves to be celebrated, it is my dad's. When I think about my journey back to joy, it often takes me back to the people who have helped me along the way. The person who has probably helped me the most is my dad. Mom has a picture of me wearing my dad's shoes and hat when I was little. It is the perfect representation of how he helped me, most of the time without even knowing it. Following in his footsteps, dancing on his feet, trying to walk in his shoes, that is how he helped me. Not every man is worthy of following, but my dad is. Oh, not because he is perfect, or extra special, or rich or famous. Well, he is to me, but mostly because he relies on his own Heavenly Father for strength and wisdom, and he reflects His Heavenly Father's perfect love to me. The kind of love that will do whatever it takes to provide for his family. The kind of love that makes you feel unconditionally loved and accepted and like you are the most beautiful person in the whole world. The kind of love that will come to your rescue when you've made big mistakes or simply wrecked a car or run out of gas. The kind of love that knows how to fix things and pretty soon everything in your life feels put back together. The kind of love that generously reaches out to family, friends, or neighbors needing help, scout kids needing leadership, foster kids needing a home, youth needing guidance, nursery kids needing patience, fellow sojourners needing shepherding, employees needing a boss with intellect, insight, and integrity, or fellow workers needing a friend. The kind of love that gives a wife love, security, and confidence; the fact is, my dad is a true gentleman. Trusting God is easier because of this love that gives sons an example, a daughter encouragement and affirmation, and grandkids a hero. Just hearing his voice on the phone with a promise for prayer inspires assurance that everything will be okay because God has it all under control. The greatest birthday gift has already been given to my dad, his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has passed this greatest gift on to all of us and for that I am eternally grateful. I guess the gift I can return is to simply keep following in His footsteps...one little step at a time, and when I see someone else struggling on life's path, to help them along the way.
I love you and I like you.
Happy Birthday Dad!!!
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