For a very special person. . . February 6, 2008

…my Dad.

Happy Birthday Dad!!!!!

When I stop and think about Dad, lots of things come to mind….

Midnight snacks with Mama protesting. (We had him from day one!!!! *smile*) Reading the Hardy Boys to us out loud every night and always reading “just one more chapter”. Building us one awesome fort in the backyard. Taking us fishing almost every Saturday without fail. Making up silly songs before bed. Piling in the car after dinner to go for a ride. (This usually included a coke and ice cream. *smile*) Teaching us the right way to wash a car. Helping us build tents in the living room and then letting us keep them up and sleep in them for days. Taking us on many vacations to our favorite places in Arkansas…hiking, swimming, seeing caves, buying us each harmonicas for which Mama regretted shortly there after, and even jumping off a bridge into the Buffalo River. Always listening to me go on and on, not leaving out any details to my “make a short story long” accounts of the day…

All of these come to mind and many others but the most important thing Dad ever did for us was to teach us the Word of God. I remember him teaching me Bible verses from the time I was a year old and just learning to talk. He’s had such a desire to see us grow in the Lord and deepen our walk with Him above all else. He’s showed us the importance of ministry and service to the Lord above education, money, possessions or position. He’s taught us the true value of life. Yes, the most important thing he’s done is live a life we can follow by example and he has always pointed us back to the Father.

Thank you Dad. I’m glad you were born, I’m glad you let the Lord lead you and have control of your life, I’m glad you’ve spent time and energy to teach and train us in the ways of the Lord and I’m glad you’re my Dad!!!! Happy Birthday!!!!

“God took the strength of a mountain,

The majesty of a tree,

The warmth of a summer sun,

The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of night,

The wisdom of the ages,

The power of the eagle’s flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,

The faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity,

The depth of a family’s need,

Then God combined these qualities,

And when there was nothing more to add,

He knew His masterpiece was complete,

And so, He called it –

Dad. . . “