Fathers

James 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Happy Father’s Day. I was thinking of some of the fathers that have touched my life. Some of the memories are good, some not so good, but I learned from them all. I am now in my 6^th decade, but I still have fond memories

Maternal Grandfather

My maternal grandfather was always fun to be around. He would pick me up from my house on Fridays so I could sleep over. One of his favorite past times was “junk collecting”. He was one of the original “American Pickers”. People would leave “trash” on the side of the road and he knew all the “good places”. I loved to go with him when I was young.  While driving and “looking for the right junk” he told me stories about the area. He loved to tell the  “I remember when”  stories as we traveled around the town or city.

His cellar was loaded with all types of “treasure”. He had “a place for everything and everything was in its place”. My brothers and I would go downstairs with him to see the newly acquired  “stuff”.  In those days, my grandfather found many things lying on the side of the road. I still own two brass chandeliers, which he gave me when I moved to my own home.  

My grandmother was crippled with arthritis, and my grandfather did whatever he could to help. He did laundry, grocery shopping and “straightening up” around the house. He installed a “buzzer” in the cellar (the original man cave) so grandma could just push from upstairs to get his help or call him to supper.

My maternal grandfather and my father did not speak to each other for eighteen years. During all those years he was still faithful to his grandchildren. He would visit, when my father wasn’t home. When my father was home, he would respect him and not go into the house but wait patiently for his grandchildren to bring them to his home for a visit. In all the years that the “feud” went on, I never heard my grandfather say an unkind word about my father.

My grandfather died of Alzheimer’s disease when he was in his mid 70s. I have many fond memories of him and his love for me and my brothers.

Dad

My father did not have a good role model from his own father. My father’s goal in life was, “I don’t want to be like my father”. To this end he worked very hard. He spent time with his children. He taught us many things: playing basketball, riding bikes, and fishing to name a few.

My father did not have a high school education, yet he was a very smart man. It always amazed me that he could figure out math problems “in his head” before I could write them down. He had his own contracting business for many years. He was a hard worker who provided for his family.

 My dad was  very sentimental and very emotional. He would cry very easily. I remember one time shortly before his death, when my family traveled to visit him. He lived in FL while I lived in New England. When we arrived at the house, he was standing at the door, crying like a baby, because he was overjoyed to see us.

 He was also a “worry wart”. He would worry about things that might happen. I sometimes think he would not know what to do if he did not “worry” about something.

I am so thankful for the father God gave me. He was not perfect but he was mine and I have many fond memories of him

Dad L

Another dad I knew was my father-in-law. Unfortunately I only knew him for 5 years before he died of cancer. He was an orphan at a very young age and reared by an aunt, who was not very kind. He did not have a father so his parenting skills were nil. He loved his seven children and wife but had a hard time showing it. One of my favorite memories is dad playing with “fisher price people” on the floor with my daughter.

My father in law would give his wife a “darling wife” birthday card and not sign it. When questioned about this he would reply, “she only has one husband.”

Here are a few of my father-in-law’s sayings:

·        What my necktie pay attention.

·        You can call me anything but late for dinner.

·        It’s a long ride home give the children some cookies for the ride. (we lived 15 minutes away)

The father of my children:

My husband is a wonderful man. He is a hardworking man who loves the Lord with all his heart. He was brought up in an Irish household where stoic is the main word. He was taught from a very early age that “boys don’t cry”.

Mark has always been there for me and the children, who are now adults. He worked extra jobs when the children were young so I could be home with them. He went to  Bible College at night while working a full and part time job. Many nights he stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to complete homework assignments.

He has a quirky sense of humor but always gets laughs at his corny jokes. Our granddaughters adore him and love to have “papa days” which include playing at the park and going to McDonald’s or Dunkin Donuts. Our grandsons, who are not local, also love to Skype and tell him what is happening in their lives.

He worked a full time job for many years while pastoring a church. He is one of the most dedicated and faithful men I know.  I am so thankful for a godly husband. I love you, Mark!

Closing thoughts

Today is Father’s Day, thank a father who has been an encouragement to you. Think with me of the “fathers you know”. Do you have great memories of your dad or  grandfather? Can you remember playing a favorite game with them or maybe having a “scary” story told by them?  Maybe you don’t have fond memories as I do but do not despair.

You have a great Father in Heaven. James calls him the “Father of lights”, he never changes. He is better than ten earthly fathers. God is always there right by our side. He is a kind and compassionate Father.

The Bible is rich in descriptive words explaining our Great and wonderful Father in Heaven. Here are a few verses to get you started:

A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. Psalm 68:5 

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. Psalm 103:13 

I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech. Psalm 17:6 

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. Psalm 27:10

Have a wonderful day

 Donna