I see Jesus in your eyes and it makes me love Him.

It’s almost Father’s Day.  About a month ago, dad began throwing hints as to the gift he’d like to receive.  It wasn’t this blog, but I’m sure he’ll be just as happy.  Ahem.

Given the fact that many fathers don’t quite comprehend the role they should play in their daughter’s life, I’d say my dad played it quite well.

He was always there to teach me new things – in spite of the scary mustache.  (Here, his resemblance to some of those parading motorcyclists in Brinkley, Arkansas is uncanny.)

I’d like to think that I am plugging my nose here and not picking it.  You can draw your own conclusion.

He was always there to snuggle.  I can only hope I didn’t always look this gooberish.  But, I have a feeling I probably did.

When other dads were afraid to hold their daughters, he never hesitated. 

Although I wasn’t surrounded by siblings to occupy my playtime, dad was always sure to become a kid himself.  From board games to hide and seek – from the Intelevision game system to making up our own songs – he was right there.  This wasn’t much of a sacrifice for him.  After all, he is still a kid at heart.

Here is proof.  A few Christmases ago, dad’s wish list consisted of electronic battleship and a lava lamp.  I’m not even making this up.

Back when Garth Brooks was on fire, dad must have been his biggest fan.  I’ll never forget the spontaneous trip we took to Dallas to see Garth in concert.  Dad managed to get tickets 2 days before the concert.  Since mom was a flight attendant back then, we were able to hop on a flight to the Lone Star state.  Here we are just before we left.  You can see our tickets displaying proudly in dad’s shirt pocket.

Kicking it back old school in that one.  The dinosaur resting on top of dad’s armoire was his, not mine. 

He held me up when I had my heart broken.  And he smiled when he danced with me at wedding #2.

He has always been there – for every triumph – for every heartbreak. 

My faith is the core of my very existence, and He imparted Christ to me.

I once heard that how we perceive our heavenly father is directly affected by how we perceive our earthly one.  If that is the case, then I know this:

·         My heavenly father is always willing to bestow grace and mercy whenever I need it.

·         My heavenly father cares about the little things.  And, one day we will realize that the little things were the big things.

·         My heavenly father is not an angry father but one who is always quick to forgive.

·         My heavenly father loves people unconditionally.

·         My heavenly father handles his children with the gentlest of hands.

·         My heavenly father must be very proud of my earthly father.

So, to my dear, precious dad…

Thank you for all the little moments, because they were really the big moments.

Thank you for always enduring life’s ups and downs.  You’ve taught me that God blesses perseverance.

Thank you for being the Ga-Ga that you are.

Thank you for being the father that you are.

And, above all else, thank you for always letting God be so intertwined within you.  Because, when I see you, I see Him.

I love you, Dad.