Where do I begin? This Father’s Day as I think about you, dad, my heart fills with gratitude. My eyes tear and my smile stretches into a quiet giggle.
When I think about what makes you an amazing Dad to me and Adam, Caitee and Daniel, I cannot think of one big thing. It has never been one trip, one moment that has made you a great dad, although those help. Rather, it is all the little things.
I feel that our relationship is so strong because of the little ways you love me. I think our family is so healthy because of the little things you do to love and serve us.
It is the little things like letting us sleep in your bed when we were little, even though you were tired.
It is a gentle rub on the shoulder while in church.
It is staying up extra late to binge another episode of “The Office”.
It is sharing the last bite of food on your plate. And giving me the last chocolate chip cookie.
It is the smirk we share after a small moment of dry humor. Humor that not everyone understands.
It was picking me up late from parties and being genuinely interested about my friendships.
It was taking me to Boston on a one-on-one trip.
It was hours of teaching me volleyball.
It was long nights full of math homework.
It is ski trips every year.
It is driving an RV all the way to Glacier.
It is doing the dishes and folding the laundry at night when the rest of the house is asleep.
It is the little foot rubs in the morning and a kiss on the forehead every day.
It is when you have more trust in me than I have in myself. It was trusting me to drive you on the freeway. It is trusting me to start and run a business.
It is allowing me to find what I love in life and pursue it. It is supporting me every step of the way and cheering me on.
It is the random compliments.
It is the life-giving words and boost of encouragement you share.
It is the little hand squeezes while we pray.
The list could go on and on.
I think it can be easy to forget just how important the little things are but somehow you never have. These little micro details are what sets you apart as an amazing dad.
I am grateful that God gave me you as my Dad. God gave me you to show me how God loves me.
Seeing how you love me, comfort me, protect me, encourage me, give me confidence, courage, and trust, leaves me in amazement. To think that you do this in your humanness, how much more will God love me in His righteousness. It is incomprehensible.
Thank you, Dad, for showing me a small glimpse of how God loves me. And for stewarding the term Father so well. It is a joy to say you are my Dad, my friend, and my mentor. Happy Father’s Day!
Love Your #1 Fan,
Bethie
