A FATHER’S DAY TRIBUTE

June 19, 2010

I wrote this tribute several years ago with my dad in mind. I thought you might enjoy it at this special time. Happy Father’s Day!

A Tribute to Dad

By Rebecca Barlow Jordan

He’s a giant of a man, with big, strong hands

that hold your heart in his own.

The words he speaks are apples of gold–

that can melt a heart of stone.

His laugh is contagious–His smile sincere;

His life is a book read far and near.

His love gives generous helpings to all;

For a father, you see, is always on call.

His thoughts are old-fashioned, and sometimes his clothes;

But godliness clothes him–from his head to his toes.

He has numerous flaws, which he often speaks of,

but his family is blind and covers in love.

Long after he’s gone, a sweet legacy stays

filling the hearts of his family with praise.

Memories of a Father

My father died 15 years ago. I still miss him. But his words and his lessons still live on in my heart. Each of the few personal letters he wrote ended with a P.S. – a powerful statement. Sometimes he penned an encouraging truth from Scripture, sometimes a homespun bit of wisdom he learned, sandwiched in between the mortar he used building missions, and the lives he salvaged for Christ along the way. I treasure those bits and pieces of a father’s love and keep them close where I can pull them out in times of discouragement or frustration.  God blessed me with a great dad.

God Is the Perfect Father

Some of you can’t recall positive father figures, because of abuse or loss of your dad early in your life. Regardless of your circumstances, God assures us He is “a father to the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5, NIV). He not only heals our memories; He is the perfect father who never breaks His promise, who loves us unconditionally, and who delights in spending time with His children.

Share a Memory

What about you? Share a memory about your dad. What made him special? How has God been a father to you?

NOTE: The winner of the drawing for the three-book series: Day-votions for Women, Day-votions for Mothers, and Day-votions for Grandmothers is Patti McGoey. Congratulations, Patti!