That’s my Dad and me.
I don’t remember the moment the picture was taken, but I’ve thought
about this shot often in the last few years. And especially in the last month as I’ve reflected on what I
learned from him. My parents had a
son that they lost in infancy about four years before I was born. So, Dad taught me to box (he was a
boxer when he was a teenager) – yes, box, when I was about 3 or 4 years
old. I think he missed having a
son. Fortunately for me, my
brother was born when I was 4 years old.
Dad wanted me to have confidence, to face challenges and to
not wait for anyone to do for you what you could do yourself. The day I left home for the first time
to go away to college, I had my suitcases packed and I was ready to leave. Mom asked Dad to carry the suitcases to
the car. He refused and she got
upset. He told her that I needed
to do it myself because when I got to Colorado, I would have to carry it
without anyone to help me. So I
needed to know that I could lift everything I was taking. He was right.
When I came home for Christmas in 1972, Dad had been in the
hospital battling the cancer that was spreading, but the doctors let him come
home. It was during that break
that Mom told me Dad was going to die.
I returned to Colorado right after New Years Day and back to school,
getting ready to graduate in June.
I was so surprised to get a letter from Dad in March, the only letter I
ever got from him – ever. He said
he was happy I made it through college and he knew I would be successful.
I guess that’s why I’ve thought about that picture. He was probably pointing out a rock or
something out in the ocean, but I like to imagine that he was telling me that
the future was out there and I could make it. Dads can do that for you. They can give you an assurance that you are capable and
able. Another way of saying that
is strength of character.
As I’ve traveled the way of Jesus, I’ve found that strength,
confidence, character comes from the Heavenly Father. My Dad had strengths and flaws, weaknesses and talents. And he couldn’t be around forever. But the Lord is the one who never
leaves us. He surrounds us and gives
us strength to face every challenge, every test, every disappointment and every
fear. So, we sit in His lap and
look for His direction.
It’s still Father’s Day where I am, so I wish a Happy Father’s
Day to all the dads I know. And a
very special one to my nephew, Aldie, a first-time daddy. May Josiah always see in you the
confidence and strength that comes from the Lord.
