Father's Day

Father's Day is somewhat of a tough day for me. This is the day that I am reminded that I don't have a Daddy that loves me and who ever cared for me. He never wanted to be a part of my life. I was torn over this for quite awhile, but because I had God's love within me, I knew I was going to be okay. He was my heavenly father, my perfect father and the one who is always there to listen to me and care for me. Since I didn't have an earthly father, God did place me with my grandfather. I thought the world of him and would want to do anything and everything that he did. I wanted to follow in his footsteps. If he was working on the car, I was working on the car. If he was cutting grass, I was on the rider with him. I love my grandfather. I am so glad that even though I didn't have my "real" father, I had someone who loved me and cared for me deeply. He couldn't totally replace having a daddy and I still had hurts, but you know....my grandfather chose to take me in. He chose to share his love with me and to treat me as his own. I also had a pastor in my life that took me under his wing. Him and his wife had left our congregation to travel doing Bible Schools and speaking in churches. They let me travel with them during the summers and it was great learning what a family was all about and what I could have one day. I saw how he loved his wife and children and I wanted that. He was a good example to me on what I wanted to look for in a man. I still remember the day that he had me helping him make another part of the puppet stage and he said, "You know, you can call me dad if you want." I was so excited! I still get tears in my eyes when I think about it. I wanted a Daddy like that and it meant a lot to me that he had accepted me as part of his family. He chose me. What an awesome gift. I have been married for almost 15 years now and it is wonderful to see another man who loves his kids. My husband is a great father. He isn't perfect, just like none of us is perfect but he sure loves his family. No matter how difficult things get and we have seen some tough times, he doesn't give up and run away. He is a hard worker, he tells his kids he loves them, he plays with them, protects them, teaches them the Bible, wants the best for them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He is a good man.
So, thinking of these things. I want to encourage you that if you have a dad out there that isn't a part of your life, know that God is waiting with open arms to hold you and call you His son or daughter. Look around and see if there is a man in your life that has been a daddy figure. He may not be your biological dad, but that's okay. He has chosen to take you in as his own. He is a gift to you and you are a gift to him. Tell that guy whether it is a husband, a dad or whoever how much they mean to you. It is a rare thing nowadays to find a good guy. So, hold on to him and tell him you love him.
Happy Father's day, Pappers! Happy Father's day, "Dad"! Happy Father's day, Michael! I love you all and I am so blessed that God brought you into my life. What an awesome gift.