To Dad, With Love

“The greatest gift I ever had

Came from God; I call him Dad!”

- author unknown

This Sunday is Father’s Day and a bitter-sweet day for me. My earthly father and my heavenly father are spending the day together, and I am jealous. As I started writing this blog post I intended to compile a list of “Lessons I Learned from my Dad,” but as the words hit the paper, I found myself writing to dad and not just about him. So, here is my “Letter to Dad.”

Dear Dad,
I’m writing this letter because you been on my mind all day today. Do you know how much I miss you? There are so many times when I would love to pick up the phone and tell you something, ask your opinion, or just brag a little about your grandkids and great-grandkids. But, all of that will have to wait until we see each other again.

I don’t know if I ever told you how much I love words... reading them and writing them. As I was reading some quotes this morning, there were several that reminded me of you. So here is my way of saying “thank you” for being my Dad...

“He didn't tell me how to live;

he lived, and let me watch him do it.”

- Clarence Budington Kelland

Dad, thank you for instilling in us values... such as respect for one another, thankfulness in all circumstances, and perseverance without complaint, even in the tough times. You showed us how pleasure and personal rewards come from hard work and taking pride in whatever you do.

“Fatherhood is pretending the present you

love most is soap-on-a-rope.” - Bill Cosby

Dad, thank you for sharing your laughter. I remember times when something made you laugh so hard that tears would be streaming down your face. Your laughter was contagious. I don’t have to see your face in front of me now.... I can picture the memory. One of those times was when you used to listen to Bill Cosby tell the story of Noah and the Ark.

“When a man has done his best, has given his all, and in the process

supplied the needs of his family and his society, that man has made

a habit of succeeding.”- Mack R. Douglas

Dad, thank you for blessing us (all 7 kids and mom), with amazing vacations that created wonderful memories. They would not have been possible without all of your organizing and planning. I remember right after Christmas you would start requesting brochures and travel packets for all of the places you had plotted out for the upcoming summer trip. Our excitement continued to build right up to the very day we all piled in to the station wagon and hit the road. We are blessed to have so many of those trips captured on film.

“The most important thing a father can do for

his children is to love their mother.”

- David O. McKay

Dad, thank you for loving mom and sharing 49 years of marriage with her. Your love and devotion was a beautiful example of a relationship blessed by God.

Dad, this is just a glimpse of who you were to me. What more could a girl ask for?

All my love always,
Your daughter - Donna

My dad had a peace about him, I’d like to believe that it came from a life well lived. And even though his time on earth was cut way too short, he left his family an inheritance... a legacy of love!

What values, lessons, or words of wisdom have you learned from your dad? Have you ever thanked him? This is the perfect week to do so.

Some of you may not know your father or have a loving relationship with your dad. Well, do not be sad... your Father in heaven is calling you by name. He desires a loving relationship with you. Seek Him and give Him thanks.

It’s Friday, Let’s Sparkle ... action required ... If you don’t have a dad to “spoil” this Father’s Day, or you know someone who may not have family living nearby, or someone who may have lost a spouse or child this year, why not ADOPT A DAD OR GRANDPA. Below are some ways to make them feel loved this Father’s Day...

• Sent them a card – there are many Father’s Day cards that don’t say specifically to my dad or grandpa, they could say “To a special man on Father’s Day” or “To a friend on Father’s Day.”
• Invite them to go to church with you
• Provide a meal for them or invite them over to your house for dinner
• Surprise them with balloons tied on their front door
• Volunteer an act of service – ie. wash their car, mow the lawn

Small acts of kindness can make a huge impact on someone’s life when it is unexpected and received at just the right time. Ask God to open your eyes and show you someone that need’s a little extra lovin’ this Father’s Day ... and don’t forget to keep them in your prayers!

Enjoy your weekend.
Blessings and God’s Peace, Donna Weaver

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in

the land the LORD your God is giving you.” – Exodus 20:12