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 6th 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
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