To My Father...

Dad,

I could have sent you a card with some nice Father's Day greeting on it, and that would have been enough. But I realize that there is so much that I wanted to share with you, and a card just wasn't going to cut it. In many ways I feel that this past year has been one in which your little girl has done a lot of growing. And in this year, I have come to appreciate even more the man and father that you are.

As I raise two spirited girls, I now understand what an incredible accomplishment it was for you and Mom to raise three girls who all love the Lord and are raising our children to, as well.It is a testament to your own walk with the Lord and your faithfulness to Him. And it is no small feat. This world offers so many temptations; so many opportunties for discouragement and disullusionment; for self-seeking over Christ-seeking. And yet, in spite of this, you have remained committed to Christ and have allowed Him to be Lord of your life. You have not just spoken eloquently from the pulpit about faith and faithfulness, you have lived it. And because of that, I have had a wonderful earthly example to guide me in the difficult times.

There are times when I see the opposite example amongst men and I could have become angry and bitter. But, because I have seen you live a life of integrity and humility, I know that I cannot easily turn my back. Because only a life transformed by Christ can withstand the pressures and difficulties that come, especially as a pastor. You have been authentic and, although very human, you have also been a man of humility. And that reminds me again and again that men will fail. We all do. But the only alternative is to bend our knees and heads to a Savior who loves, who forgives, who lifts us up and leads us onwards. We do not lift our eyes to men, we lift them further. And that is what you have done: you have always pointed us to Christ. When we have failed. When you have failed. It has always come back to the love and forgiveness and Grace of Christ. He alone is worthy.

And I can't thank you enough. For being a man whose heart fully belongs to Christ, who has been an extraordinary father, and grandfather. You have given your family the greatest gift anyone ever could: you have lead us to faith in Christ. And for that I am forever grateful. I love you, Dad, and I am so thankful that you are my Daddy.

Love you always,
Kathi