Chip Off the Old Block

In my post-Mother’s Day blog, I promised a blog dedicated to my dad for Father’s Day. It really isn’t that difficult to write about how incredible both of my parents are to me. I think that next to my salvation, I am most grateful for the parents with whom God has blessed me. I do not know if there is such a thing as a perfect parent, but mine come pretty close. Now, don’t get me wrong, my dad and I have and do bump heads, as most children do from time to time with their parents, but, regardless of the times we may disagree, my earthly daddy is a true reflection of my Heavenly Daddy. And, that my friends, is a blessing.

First of all, my dad shows me how a woman should be treated. I have not always realized the treasure of having a father who loves my mother, is her best friend, and would do anything for her. Growing up, I thought everybody’s dad loved their mom they way my dad loves my mom. But, as I came to know more about the world, I found that having parents who loved each other deeply is a rare occurrence. I also found that having a father who is unafraid to be the leader of his own household is somewhat scarce. If someone comes into my life that loves me a fraction of how much my dad loves my mom, I will be tremendously blessed.

My daddy also taught us how to laugh. Just last night, I left my parents’ house with a sore face from laughing. Most people who meet my dad think that he is really serious. He can be very intense and fiercely passionate about that in which he believes, but he also encourages a sense of humor. There are times when it sounds like we have our own distinct language because we can’t talk with a giggle. My dad is a disciplinarian, for sure, but his chastisement is tempered by the fact that you always know (maybe not in that moment, but eventually), that all he wants is what is best for you and that even in intense situation, he can still make you smile, even when you don’t want to smile.

Furthermore, my parents know Christ and introduced us to Christ. Not only that, but they also both show us how to live a Godly life. One of my biggest regrets in life is always taking a long time to listen to my dad on certain issues like saving money. He is always full of great advice because he knows the Godly principles to living a prosperous life. He always wants to fix things, but is willing to let us figure out our own course. My pastor often says that God speaks to us in familiar voices. When I am going down a treacherous road or am about to make a perilous decision, I hear my dad’s voice. Anyone who knows him knows that he has a deep, booming voice (we often refer to him as Mufasa). I have no idea what God actually sounds like, but in my heart, he has my dad’s voice, and it is enough to stop me in my tracks.

We sometimes tease dad because it seems like he is this perfect person that never did anything bad as a child or a teenager. We say he doesn’t understand the situation in which we place ourselves because he was always “an angel.” I pretended to be a goody two shoes for a long time, but my dad is the real deal. And, I thank God for it. I am eternally grateful for my dad’s obedience to God and for his unrelenting desire to have everyone else do the same. Often, when we do something of note, dad says, “Hey! You’re a chip off the old block.” Well, in my humble opinion, my dad is a chip straight off of God’s block. He is the best dad a girl could ever want. Ms. EV