Originally posted June 19, 2011

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

When I was growing up, I discovered that my dad could do just about anything. As a welder, he could build or repair all sorts of things, and one summer, he built an impossibly large swing set with a teeter totter, swings, tire swing, and couple’s swing along with a slide that was so tall that my brother and I became the envy of all the kids in the neighborhood. Thanks to our dad, all of our friends would come over and play with us for hours on end, and we loved every minute of it. Another time, my dad took an old lawnmower that had seen better days and remodeled it so that it looked like a miniature Jeep. My brother and I spent countless hours taking turns driving that thing in circles around the yard.

Now that we’re both adults, my brother and I can count on our dad to help us out whenever we need it. He’s usually there before we ask. Whether it’s repairing a car that’s stopped running, giving us a ride when that car has broken down, building a fence, hanging a new screen door, or calling to see how we’re doing, my dad is always quick to lend a hand. He is a quiet man who leads by example, and he has always been a Godly example for us, showing me and my brother the best way to offer to help to those around us. Each day, I’m thankful for my dad and all the ways that he has been there for me and my family.

Dear Jesus, thank you for giving me such a loving father here on earth who watches out for his family and shows his love through his actions toward us. Amen.