My Father’s Day Message
My dad’s name was LaVern. He was a quiet reserved man. I never doubted his love for me, even though he seldom used the words, “I love you,” to express that love. I believe all of my five siblings would say the same thing. Even though those words were rarely spoken, we saw and felt it in his actions for his family. I remember a specific time, a few months before he died, a time when he shared his love for me. My dad was in an extended care facility as he was taking rehab after a stroke. We were having lunch together along with my daughter. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, he said,” I love you. “ I almost fell off my chair. I looked with wide eyes over at my daughter and she was also surprised at his words that day. I will never forget it.
Again, I felt his love even though the words were not spoken. He showed us in many ways:
- His attendance in my Jr. High basketball games-even with me being on the B-team. Watching my every performance as a Pom-pom girl.
- His random giving of gifts-canna bulbs, tomatoes, a garage sale fruit bowl, his favorite candy (chewy fruit slices)
- The tour of his garden to show off the latest in blooms
- The time he spent with his kids and grandkids
With his love came discipline. In today’s world, some think discipline and love don’t go together. People want the freedom to do whatever they want to. I am glad my dad had the love for me that he would discipline me as a child. He knew what was best for me and loved me enough to show me. He wanted me to know what was right and what was wrong. He wanted to protect me.
I didn’t see at the time how discipline was a good thing. It didn’t feel pleasant at the time, but it worked. I would be shaped and molded to become the adult that he knew would be best. I can look back and see how this has been a benefit in my life.
I think of our Heavenly Father in the same way. Discipline comes in the name of love. He loves me so much that He won’t stand by and watch me self-destruct in my own sinful nature. Sometimes He has to take His loving hand and guide me back to what is best for me. Most of the time it is not easy. God is there to protect me. He loved me so much that He sent His Son to save me and to show me the way through His examples and words. This has shaped and molded my life. He loves you the same way. He loves us more than any earthly father can love his child, as hard as that may seem.
I am thankful for my Fathers love!
God’s Word-Romans 8:28-28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.
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