As a young girl, the first man to love you and that you in return love is your daddy. I was blessed with the best! My dad is so incredibly smart, God-fearing, patient, kind, loving, protective, trustworthy, respectful, dedicated, supportive, encouraging, and I could go on and on.
My father is the man that reassured and comforted me when I had a nightmare, chased away the monsters from my room, danced with me while I stood on his feet, allowed me to put butterfly clips in his hair while playing “beauty shop”, taught me to ride a bicycle, threw me as high as he could in the pool, tickled me just for the fun of it, approved my prom dresses for modesty, and never neglected to tell me I looked pretty.
I took after him in playing the trumpet and he played a large role in teaching me. He spent many hours at home sitting with me while I practiced and was extremely patient when I was definitely not. He also worked with me when trying to learn to play softball and basketball. Although neither of us are very athletic, we sure had fun trying.
He even sat through an NSYNC concert with my sister and I, 6 of our friends, and thousands of other screaming teenage girls. According to him, that is true love.
My dad is an amazing christian man and taught me about true faith in God. He led by example and baptized me when I was 12 years old. He and my mom provided an awesome example of what it means to have a strong marriage centered on Christ. I always hoped and prayed that I would have a marriage as strong as theirs.
My dad is an Attorney and has always worked long hours and traveled often for work. However, I cannot think of any of my events such as games, concerts, birthdays, graduations, or award assemblies that he has missed. It was always important to him to be present and supportive regardless of all the stressors in his own life.
My dad always has been, and still is my biggest fan. He has always pushed me to try things outside of my comfort zone and refused to let me quit when I didn’t think I could make it. He taught me “anything worth having is worth working hard for”. I believe my work ethic comes from him. He has never neglected to tell me how proud he is of me.
When I was younger, my dad and I periodically went on dates just the two of us. Most of the time we went to a pizza buffet and would ride go carts or just watch a movie. We also went to multiple Daddy-Daughter Banquets. When I was in college, my dad, sister, and I attended many of the Distinguished Lecture Series speakers at Harding University.
It has been a while since I’ve gone on a date with my dad, but In the last few months we have had the opportunity to again attend a couple of speakers at Harding University. January 27, 2020 was designated as NASA day here in Arkansas and my dad and I were able to attend a speech by Dr. Terrier, NASA chief technologist. He spoke about our NASA program and future space exploration endeavors. It was all fascinating, and the science nerd in me loved it! Before the presentation, we ate at a buffet which made my starch loving self so happy! It was a perfect night for me that was made even better by the company. About a month later, we returned to Harding to hear a speech by Stephen Covey, author of “The Speed of Trust” and son of the author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. My dad bought me both books and I am excited to read them.
Spending more quality/individual time with my dad recently has been such a blessing. With current events in my life, I am more thankful than ever before for a loving and supportive family. I don’t think I would make it without them. Time passes so quickly and I don’t want to look back and regret the way I spent my time. I can guarantee, however, that I will never regret time spent with the loving family or friends God has blessed me with.
To be completely honest, the older I get, the more I enjoy and appreciate quality time with my dad. I know many have lost their fathers or do not have a close relationship with them and my heart goes out to these people. It is not lost on me how blessed I am to have the quality of father I have and to have him present and healthy.
If you still have your father, I encourage you to clear time in your schedule for a date night with your dad. Go out to eat and catch up on life, watch a funny movie and laugh together, work a puzzle together, have a picnic at the park, go for a walk, or just grab some coffee. It really doesn’t matter what you do, just spend time with them. I can promise you, you will never regret it and both of you will be blessed. Don’t wait until it’s too late to tell the important people in your life that you love them and please thank your dad for being the hero that he truly is. To me nothing makes one a man or hero more than standing by, supporting, loving, and caring for their family.
If your father is already gone, but he was a great man, hold onto those amazing memories. Keep a picture close and still talk to him. Tell God to pass on the message.
If you were not blessed with a loving father or didn’t have a close relationship, find another father figure. One of my best friend’s father is like a dad to me and I know he would do anything for me. There are many men out there who are more than wiling to invest in others even if they are not family by blood.
Thank God for daddies!
- “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the lord” Ephesians 6:4
- “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13
- “I will be a father to him, and he’ll be a son to me. When he does wrong, I’ll discipline him in the usual ways, the pitfalls and obstacles of this mortal life. But I’ll never remove my gracious love from him.” 2 Samual 7:14-15
- “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20