Happy Father’s Day
You know it’s been a while since you blogged when you have to actually log in again. Sorry for that. Lots of busy-ness here and it’s not getting any better.
I wanted to wish a happy Father’s Day to all the dads who read this blog. I have had some great male role models in my life. My grandfathers, both of whom have passed on, were great men. They were also completely different. My Grandpa Huston was a thoughtful man with Native American heritage and a gift for story telling. I remember when I went to Arizona with my dad to see him last in 1984 we spent hours just talking and listening to stories. He also had a great love for Ovaltine. I have no idea how that contributes to his person but it really sticks out. In fact, when he would come to Ohio with Gram to visit mom made sure she stocked up on pecan rolls and Ovaltine because those were her daddy’s favorites.
My Grandpa Ryan just passed a few years ago. I was closer to him than my Grandpa Huston but that was largely a function of geography. The two things I loved most about him were fishing and harness racing. These are who things I rarely did without and and haven’t done since he died. It just doesn’t seem right. I spoke at his funeral and I remember thinking this is both one of the hardest and one of the most special experiences in my life. He was a worker- never finished high school. He worked garbage routes and in a foundry and for Cooper Industries (now Rolls Royce) here in Mount Vernon. Even after he retired he worked. When he couldn’t work, we all knew that he wouldn’t last long. And he didn’t.
My dad is most like his father and like my brother. I am much more like my mom. I didn’t become friends with my dad until I was in my mid-20’s. He was however, always my dad if not my friend. He has always made a point to tell us not to repeat his mistakes, go to school and get good grades. If I have any measure of success in my career, it’s because my dad (and mom) sacrificed so I could go to college and get a step ahead. Thanks Dad! See you for dinner after church.
One last person I’d like to mention is my father in the gospel, my pastor. He is the epitome for what a pastor should be. He’s been involved in every major spiritual aspect of my life from my own baptism and marriage to my kid’s dedications, Becky’s baptism, my mom’s funeral and all of that. If you look at the time line of your life, you should see your pastor right there at all of the critical moments. I can say mine absolutely was there. Three times in the last 32 years he’s been my pastor have I asked for serious counsel. Two were on major spiritual decisions; one was when my life was cratering. Each time, I received the wisdom I needed to go forward. I have said this repeatedly but everyone needs a pastor in their life.
My last thought is about me oddly enough. I love being a dad. It is probably the greatest accomplishment I have in my life. There is nothing I hold more dear than my kids. They are all unique personalities and I wouldn’t change them for the world. Being a dad has also helped me to understand the love of Christ. I understood for years on an intellectual level about God’s love for us and that we were his children however; it wasn’t until I became a dad that I understood this on a visceral level. My kids frustrate me at times (and I’m sure I frustrate them) but there is nothing they could do that would make me not love them. That’s when it clicked with me- if ye being evil know how to give good gifts to your children (Matthew 7:11). What Jesus is saying here is that if I, who am a dunderhead at times, know how to treat my kids, how much more does my Heavenly Father know how to treat me. It candidly, has been the greatest revelation of my walk with God. Jesus loves me more than I love my kids. I am amazed.
And on that note, have a happy Father’s Day.
