Happy Father’s Day

Posted: June 16th, 2012 | Author: dave | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: guest blog |

Surprise Guest Post: Sorry, Dad, I hacked into your account, but I know you’ve always been one for surprises from Savannah Garcia (Dave’s daughter)

I have a full and thankful heart this Father’s Day.  Not because my dad made me laugh daily, loved me- stubbornness and all, or because he always had my best interest in mind.  Oh, he was most definitely all of those things.

But I am thankful because my dad first and foremost followed a perfect, heavenly Father.  He may have passed down his sense of humor or his ability to procrastinate efficiently, but he also instilled in his children the desire to follow the Lord.  While he could not pass his faith onto us, he could live out his personal faith daily.  Through healthy discipline, a forgiving attitude and quality time, his example lead us to a Savior… a perfect Father.

My dad is not perfect and I’m thankful for the times he humbly admitted his wrongs and shared his heart with our family.  What powerful teaching moments those were as a child.  He did, however, strive for consistency in parenting and bringing joy in everyday situations.  I never wondered about his care or hesitated over his love for me, my siblings or my mom.

Some preacher’s kids grow into a state of bitterness or resentment towards the church.  I can truly say that my love for the church and Christ grew because my dad was the same in the pulpit as he was in the home.  Being a daughter of a minister is such a joy to me that I am excited my son is also being raised as a preacher’s kid.  My husband portrays so many of the characteristics I love in my dad.  My son has a two wonderful examples of faith from which to learn- his daddy and his Papa D.

In the final chapter of my dad’s book, Raising Your Kids to Love the Lord, he shares a letter that I wrote to him on a special trip to Savannah, GA.  Years later, I stand by those same words…”So thanks, Dad, for all you’ve done and will do.  Thanks for always thinking of our family when it comes to your priorities.”

Whether your dad was a Christ-like example or quite the opposite, I encourage you to take time this Father’s Day weekend to learn about a Father whose love is unconditional, discipline is just and example is perfect.  Read through scriptures and write out specific verses you find as a reminder of how God cares for his children.  The Book of Psalms is a wonderful place to start.  God is continually portrayed as a protector and patient Father to David… fulfilling his promise to David: “I will be his father, and he will be my son.” (2 Samuel 7:14)  No matter what type of faith your earthly father held, spend time this weekend reflecting on what your heavenly father has done for you.  Maybe have each family member write out a word of thanks to God and share over Father’s Day dinner. Or maybe once the grill is fired up and the family is waiting on the patio, you lead everyone in a prayer thanking God for his provision and faithfulness.

Happy Father’s Day!  May all of you dads be encouraged and acknowledged for the powerful role you have in the family and the way you provide and care for us as your wives and kids!

“Sing to God, sing praise to his name,

extol him who rides on the clouds-

his name is the LORD-

and rejoice before him.

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,

is God in his holy dwelling…

Proclaim the power of God,

whose majesty is over Israel,

whose power is in the skies.

You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary;

the God is Israel gives power and strength to his people.

Praise be to God!”

(from Psalm 68)

And thank you Lord, as David wrote, for your power and majesty.  Thank you for giving dads the power and strength, that only you can give, so they can be the men of God you have called them to be.  Thank you for being our Father and loving us for the forgetful, wayward children that we are.  May every new day be a reminder of your provision and love for us.

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