No one loves like my dad does. He taught it to me as the mainstay of his belief system- the one thing that would stand if everything else was stripped away. He lives it, he exemplifies it.
His love has touched the lives of countless others, inspiring change and bringing comfort- and yet he accepts no recognition for his contributions, just lives along quietly and without assumption.
His love is one godly. And I am so grateful that for all his surface rebellion, what he is most is a disciple of Christ in its purest form:
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27)
I honor him.
My father-in-law is full of energy. With it, he serves his family in a unique way- flying and/or driving all over the nation to attend important and also unimportant family events of various kinds. When with him, he makes you feel like you are truly the most important person in his life and that there is nowhere he'd rather be.
He relishes the details, the often mundane daily rituals, and makes them feel exciting and fresh.
He gives of himself freely- his time, his advice, his attention, his resources- as an offering of his love. His selfless service, for that is just what it is, would likely not be so considered by him. But that distinction is precisely what makes it selfless; it is to him a non-issue. It is simply who he is.
I appreciate him.
My husband loves me. When I am weak or defiant or selfish, still he shows patience and praise. His loyalty and love unfeigned strengthen our friendship and our marriage. And in his support and encouragement, I find my own capacities increased.
He is an enthusiastic and loving father, always challenging the kids in their abilities to show them how much they are actually capable of. He understands that by so doing, he helps them cultivate a strong sense of self.
His love and support buoy us up as a unit, his encouragement helps us to progress.
I cherish him.
I have naught but gratitude for these strong figures in my life, in the lives of my children The magnitude of such a blessing is not lost on me.
4 comments:
Thanks for sharing such heartfelt words Mamie. I loved them!
Sweet. Did John shave his beard off? That would be quite sweet too!
What a good post. Thankyou.
I want to get to know you better! You're something else. Thanks for sharing
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