Happy Birthday to my Dad!

Today is my dad’s birthday and I hope he will read this and know how much I admire, respect, and love him. I have been blessed to live my entire life with an earthly father who will run immediately to help me. The number of years may keep him from getting there as quick as before but, watch out, because he is coming! My brothers and I are far past the age of needing our dad to care for us, protect us, or to correct our behavior. We are actually all reaching the point of our lives when our dad may need our help, although he won’t admit it. I am thankful for a dad who prepared me for the difficult moments of life while also reminding me to look for the joy that is all around us each day. I believe the quality that I admire the most about my dad is his mental toughness. There are many men on this earth with a larger bank account, more powerful jobs, and more education, but none compare to my dad’s mental toughness. He has a special ability to remember others in prayer, give of his time and energy to help another person, and to see people as God would see them. He quietly goes about helping an elderly person in his church, but will stop the moment he receives credit. He cares for countless family members but never does so with the expectation of being repaid. All of which take mental toughness. The type of mental toughness needed to put your personal agenda and ego aside and do whatever is needed for someone else.

My dad would not like for me to brag on him in a letter but below are a few verses that always make me think of him. I am blessed to have an earthly father that embodies God’s Word and is still an example to me and my children.

1st Peter 5:2-3
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
I am thankful to have grown up in a home where my dad was always keeping watch over me because I had been entrusted to him.

Mark 1:35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
I am thankful for the example of quiet prayers for me and my brothers that continue today.

1st Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
In a world of people promoting themselves, I am thankful for a dad who simply loves without boasting.

Happy Birthday to My Dad!

Chad