The Perfect Father

For me, my father was perfect. No other man could have been to me the father that he was. God knew exactly who I needed to be my father-to teach, discipline, love, guide, encourage and pray for me. And as I remember the man that he was, in this child's eyes, he really was perfect. So strong, so faithful to God and to my mother, so dedicated to serve the Lord yet also dedicated to spend time with his family.

I was with him at the moment of his passing away in 2007. It was so heart-rending to whisper in his ear, "It's ok, Dad, you can go...". But, oh, how I miss him!

I have another Father who is perfect. Perfectly perfect! He loves, teaches, guides and encourages me in an even much greater way than my earthly father. Who wouldn't want a Father like that?!

Several years ago, I accompanied a young lady named Katy as she sang a song in a school program. I loved the music and the words, I still do. I could not find the music anywhere online (perhaps you can) but here are the lyrics:

Always The Perfect Father

Always the perfect Father,
With always the perfect plan,
Always knowing what is best for me.
You are always the perfect Father
of a far from perfect child,
But You love me, perfect Father,
All the time.

Long ago You made me, Lord,
You made me just like You,
But somewhere in my life
I took a road You did not choose.
Because You loved me perfectly,
You let me try and fall,
Then You picked me up and
sent me on my way-Your way!

For You are always the perfect Father,
With always the perfect plan,
Always knowing what is best for me.
You are always the perfect Father
of a far from perfect child,
But You love me, perfect Father,
All the time.
                            -Dennis and Nan Allen

“I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,

Says the Lord Almighty." (II Corinthians 6:18)

 

As A Father

Thank you, Lord, for my father,

for the excellence of his godly example,

 the strength of his love,

 the inspiration of his life.

I love him and can't wait to see him again!

As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you,

 as a father doth his children.

(I Thessalonians 2:11)

Heritage

On this Father's Day I would like to remember my Dad by sharing a little bit about heritage. Having recently received an old document about my family has made me think more about my family history, roots and heritage during the past few days. Much could be said here but I am just SO amazed and grateful for this blessing from the Lord. I'm sure there are skeletons in the closet and, in fact, that sort of thing never seems to stop happening but the past several decades have given our family something about which to be proud and for which to be thankful. My parents were Baptist missionaries and they left to each of "us 7" a super-rich, Biblical, Christian heritage. Not only their making sure that we learned and understood Biblical doctrines and practices, but also their godly and inspiring examples, will forever be remembered by us. To top it off, Dad and Mom left us 6 books which they wrote! As I paged through "Our Family Missionary History" once again, I was smiling because I knew that our rich heritage would be known by generations to come of their offspring. Whether each of us choose to embrace that heritage, believe their Biblical teachings and live similar godly lives is certainly up to each one, but the knowledge of it is there and we are without excuse. Daddy, I miss you so much but am happy that you are there with your Lord and Saviour...and Mom and Bonnie and Hannah. We'll see you in the near future!

"The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him." (Proverbs 23:24)