Happy Dad's Day (a day late)

While my husband was preaching a sermon on being a Godly Father, it struck me that I was extremely blessed to be surrounded by them. I knew they were great Dads, but I never really thought about the difficulty and the pressure of the role that they carry.

My Dad has been the supporter of his family for as long as I can remember :). He loves my mom with a fierce love. He worked hard to allow my Mom to stay home and take care of us. He took us to church every time the doors were open, and he showed us Jesus in his everyday walk. He taught us to love the heavenly Father first before all else, and he taught us that His Word was the important thing around. When I was 6, it was him that showed me the path to Heaven and held me while I prayed asking Jesus to come live in my heart. My Daddy is always there to talk to, to gain comfort from, to just be with. His big hands are the warm "healers" that simply have to touch to take away the pain. He has the most beautiful hands... My Dad is simply the best. He has taken Cameron in as his own son and loves him just like he loves me. There is this vivid memory I carry with me of when Chloe died...He drove as fast as he could to get to me (he was in SanAngelo. I was in FortWorth). When he walked in the door of my house, I could see his face. He was searching frantically for ME. He ran to me and enveloped me in his arms and told me how sorry he was that he wasn't there when she died. And he cried with me and held me and shouldered my pain. He is an active Daddy. One who has an interest in my everyday world. I couldn't imagine someone who does fatherhood better. And that doesn't even mention how awesome a Papa he is!

I have to mention Cameron's Dad here too. He has been my Dad for almost 9 years now. He is very quick to help out, support us, to spoil me, and to hug me. He has stepped up whenever and wherever there was a need, or just a want. He held me when my daughter died and carried me through that until my Daddy could get there. He has spoiled me with spa days, cakes (the true way to my heart!), and anything else I let slip out that I want. He is the one that I have to watch my words around, because he will spoil me to no end if I make my desires known to him! He has raised a godly man that I get the honor of calling husband. He loves my girls so very much. He is their wrestle partner. It takes merely minutes of seeing him before they have him pinned to the floor giggling. All I can say is, he better watch out! Those girls have him wrapped around his finger, and he won't be able to say no when they get a little older...hehehe

Then there is my husband. He is the most amazing Daddy to our daughters. He is tender, he always gives hugs and kisses, he disciplines, he plays. He is never too busy to talk to. He is not too manly to play Barbies...His love shines through him when he looks at those little girls. I can still his face as he looked down at our first daughter when she was born. It was that moment that changed him forever. It was at that moment that his heart melted and was stolen by his girls, never to be returned. He is the example they will look to when they go in search of a husband, and I wouldn't be happier if they found a husband just like their Daddy!

I can't forget my Grandad. He has always been a presence in my life. He has been the wise preacher man (hehe). I have this memory of going to see him and asking him to preach about Adam and Eve. I don't know if the congregation ever caught on, but I loved to hear about Adam and Eve! I also remember using his big white t-shirts as a nightgown and feeling covered in his love. My Grandad is the one who "married" me. The one who makes sure I am "taking care of my husband". He always challenges me with my walk, asking the hard questions that leave me no wiggle room. He loves my children. He holds them and plays with them and prays for them. He is MY Grandad. And grand he is!

God has given me wonderful examples of what a real man is and Godly, manly, leaders my whole life. I know I am one of the "lucky" ones. I am so so thankful!