He speaks in a depth and conviction that often rattled me. When he spoke of what he saw in me, it overwhelmed me. I would almost always cry. He really had a way of reaching through a hard shell I had created, and gently cracking it for me, so that I could see the truth about me, about life, about the Lord. I loved him for showing me the truth. I am so grateful.
He shared his love of music with me. He constantly had a guitar in his hands. Singing classics, singing his favorite worship songs, teaching us hand motions for some of them. He and mom would sing over us every night, songs of promise, songs of protection, songs of praise for the Savior of our souls. Those songs still reverberate in my spirit, and they remind me of the Lord's faithfulness despite what I see about me. I am so grateful.
He had a fire within him. Passion. Purpose. Desire to really know. He read the Word of God every day. He studied it with books that were too heavy for me to carry as a little girl. He craved to have it in him, so that he could share and teach it. He encouraged me to spend time with the Lord daily as well. I remember in Junior High getting up early, walking to the beige rocking chair in our living room, and reading my Study Bible, primarily because my dad challenged me to do it. And soon it became a deep need in my life. I am so grateful.
We share a love of dreams. Early morning meetings in the kitchen before getting ready for school, discussing the dream I had the night before. He took them seriously, most of them. And taught me to ask the Holy Spirit about them too. He still is my favorite person to unravel dreams with.
So many fond memories of him, whether it be snuggling up next to him while he took a nap sprawled out on the brown carpet in our living room, or watching him meticulously draft the next remodel project for our house, and actually doing the work himself, or him coming home and telling us all about the people he met at work and how he shared the love of Jesus with them.
He shared one of the most important days of my life with me, the day I married Matthew. He walked me down the isle, and he offiated and declared us married. It was so appropriate, and I think he loved it too. The most important revelation I have had about my dad following my marriage, is that I still need him. Our relationship is different, but he will never stop being my father.
It is exciting to see him now courageously step into the role of Granddad to my children. The blessing on his life is increasing, as he sees the generations affected by his choices, both past and present. There is still more to come. The journey is not over, there's another bend in the road, and I am so grateful to him, that he continues to stay close to our Father through it all, and he continues to lead "little ones" to Him.
sisters and brothers
