My Dad is now in his 59th year! Why does "almost 60" seem so young to me now? I so vividly recall many birthdays with him...mostly I remember the frustration of trying to find the perfect gift for the man who has everything...but I also remember the cards, the cakes (usually something with cream cheese icing), the shared memories. The ultimate wonderful Dad-birthday memory is from his 50th...the year we had the big surprise party for him. I'll never forget as long as I live the tears of appreciation Beka and I shared for the "gift" of having a father who we love, respect and admire.Think about that for a minute: to love our Daddy-that's not too hard, but to respect and admire a man you have lived with, seen his strengths and weaknesses, etc.--THAT is something special and unusual! Lately, I've really come to respect my Dad on this new level. He's been an essential counselor to me as God is planting (somewhat painfully) Christ-like character deep in my soul...Dad's been faithfully guiding me in advice and encouragement on a spiritual level yet is always pointing me back to Jesus and Tim as THE "men" in my life. As I learn to show my respect and admiration for the man I live with today (that's my Tim in case you're wondering!), my Dad has been cheering me on from the sidelines-encouraging me to be practical in my love for my husband. That must not be easy for a Dad...to spend years being the "Best Actor" to suddenly transition to "Best Supporting"--and yet, that's exactly what God seems to have designed for families (leave and cleave).
The more I think about this, the more it's blowing my mind! First, as a little girl I learned to respect my Daddy...to follow him as my earthly authority and react quickly to his decisions/requests (dare I say, "commands"). Then, as I grew into a young adult, I began to understand that my earthly authority was in place (Honor your father and mother) to help me follow my heavenly authority (Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength). Now, as a married woman, I see that carrying over the healthy respect for my Dad and for God will protect and nurture my marriage relationship with Tim. Ummm...this is where I am still "in process" because I have been convicted lately that my expression of respect could use some work! I FEEL respect, but sometimes I don't SHOW it because I get distracted with all the details of life. My Dad (and of course, my Mom, but this entry is about Dad so let's stay focused, shall we?) has instructed me from the beginning in how to live and thrive in the challenges I'm facing RIGHT NOW.
All the life lessons, stories, failures and victories work together to give me a practical outline of what I need to do next in life: pass this wealth of relationship (a key in why this whole equation WORKS with my dad...the "law" or "truth" isn't so swell without the "grace" or "love" of relationship) and wisdom to the next generation. As little Cassie grows, I need to be sure to show my respect and admiration for Tim in practical ways that she can absorb (that was what my Mom did for me as a kid). Perhaps, one day, little Cassie-Roo will be married and marveling at the precious heritage of Godly men who have made it "easy" for her to follow God's command to respect and admire her husband! That's just ONE thing my Dad has done in his 59 years. I'd say that's pretty good work, Pop!Thank you!
