Happy birthday, dad

Happy birthday, dad.

Ian has started a new thing lately--impersonating his grandpa--you. What strikes me is, during these impersonations, Ian has a perma-grin. He laughs constantly, makes jokes, is silly and happy. He says things like, "You did it, Ruthie!" and "Good job, Caleb!" with great exuberance.

If ya ask me, Ian's impression of you is spot-on: the joy you bring, the encouragement you provide, and the laughter you share.

My wish for you is all the joy, encouragement and laughter you so willingly give to others would find its way to you on this precious day.

And I love you. MUCH.

Father's Day Series (1): Thanks, Dad

Dad,

Thanks for being holy, genuine, tender, trustworthy, and compassionate. Thanks for always being the same man at home as you are at church. Thank you for never saying a bad word about anyone, no matter what they do to you.

Thanks for making me a priority--attending every violin and piano recital, for trips to Sonic after high school, and for visiting me every Tuesday in Fayetteville. Thanks for loving mom and John and me unconditionally, and for expecting kindness in our home.

Thanks for loving my kids with all your heart, for your obsession with them, for your influence on them. Thank you for accepting everyone, especially me, with all my faults.

You are larger than life, but no problem is too small for you to step in and show you care.

Happy Father's Day, dad. I love you.

click on images to enlarge

Dad

Many of you know my dad. And to know him is certainly to love him. Speaking of love, this photo of he and Lil is fabulous. It shows his grandpa-ness --his sweet, soft side. Really, that's the only side he has. If he has any rough, harsh, abrasive edges, I've never seen them. Never.

Dad's the star of my blog today because, in about three weeks, he is set to preach the annual sermon of the national SBC, sure to be one of the greatest honors of his life. The last time a Missouri pastor was selected to preach the annual sermon was in 1918.

Please take time to read this article about dad as the convention pastor. While you're at it, visit his blog -- a delightful treat I enjoy each day.

I'll be there to cheer you on, dad. Go for it. I love you.