In honor of my Dad on his 92nd birthday.
The first women’s topical Bible study I ever led was titled, In My Father’s House, by Mary Kassian. In that study, Kassian explores the idea that the way we experience our earthly father impacts the way we experience our heavenly father. Of course, we are not limited by these earthly experiences—God is greater, and higher, and…well…Divine, for goodness sake! But, I did find in my study that my daddy paved the way for me to have a wonderful perspective of a spiritual father.
Now, to be fair, there were things my Dad was not.
My dad was not a playful father
–but I didn’t need a play-daddy…I had friends for that.
My dad was not an outdoor adventurer
—but I didn’t need him for adventure…I could muster up my own!
My dad was not “Mr. Cool”
—but I didn’t need him to be popular…I liked that he was home with us on nights and weekends.
Here are the things my Daddy was.
my PROTECTOR. There was no doubt that Dad was the man of the house and led the family. He drove the car, he checked us in the hotel, he gassed up the cars, he locked the doors before bed, he spoke to the maître d’, he carried the heavy stuff—including me! His being in control made me feel safe.
my PROVIDER. Dad was a trustworthy and dependable businessman. His dedication to his company combined with his work ethic resulted in his ability to always provide financially for our family. We didn’t live in excess…but we were never without.
my PLANNER. My dad left nothing to chance. For everything there was a checklist or a system. Before anything was purchased, there was research done. He led our family decisions by way of purpose and reason.
my PROUDEST. The place I picture Dad at every special event in my life is at the back of the room or the end of the line. Always staying out of the limelight, he would patiently wait his turn to love on me. But when he did, it was the most tender of hugs and the most heartfelt words that he shared. And his pride would be written all over his face.
These are the things I treasure from my earthly father. And, consequently, these are things I treasure from my heavenly father. Protection, provision, purpose, and pride.
I’m just thinking that my dad’s 92nd birthday is a great time to reflect on these things and be grateful.
Featured photo: Family birthday celebration for Dad, November 2015.
just thinking 