I have been so abundantly blessed to have a father with longevity. He is 92-years old and still going strong. This is my 61st year to be able to have a Father's Day as a son with a father. I have no idea how many more we'll have together. I pray for many more healthy vibrant years with him! He has been the best example of a wonderful father, awesome dad, and what a real man should be like that I have ever seen. I love him with all my heart!
The other side of the coin is the absolute thrill and joy of being a father for the last 36 years. Our children have made my life complete and filled me with all the emotions that come with fatherhood. I have laughed when they laughed, cried when they cried, and hurt when they hurt. I would still, to this day, lay down my life for theirs. I love them with everything that is within me.
I know I made mistakes along the way. Every parent has the benefit of hindsight and beats themselves up over it, but I realize I did the best I could with the knowledge and experience I had at the time. In spite of all that, they turned out great. I am so proud of them and what they have accomplished so far in their lives.
The greatest thing that I could possibly pass on to them is a love for God and a desire to raise up their children to follow him as well. Our Heavenly Father wants us to love him in an even greater way than I described my love for my dad and he loves us even more than the love I described for my children!
On Father's Day I always reflect on our Heavenly Father and the relationship between him, my dad, my children, and me. Happy Father's Day to all and God bless you!
Proverbs 22:6 (NLT) - "Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it."