Soon it will be Father's Day and already I am wondering what gifts I could possibly buy my dad. How can I ever give him even a small portion of what he has given me throughout my life? And not only was he my dad, but he was always the provider, the protector, the giver of gifts, and the visionary.
As a child, and an only daughter, my daddy was my hero. He would read to me wonderful bed time stories and when we ran out of books, or the stories became just memorized scripts of familiarity, his imagination would kick in high gear and he would manufacture the most illustrious, adventurous, and most exciting stories that I lived out in my imagination. Always the princess, I found myself in a perilous situation and always, right before my moment of death, a "savior" (usually my little brother) would come out of the wild blue yonder and save me from the villains that threatened my perfect kingdom, my perfect world.
To give a portion back to what has been given to me would be an impossible challenge. Whatever gift I chose would only be a trite representation of the lifetime of gifts he has given me. First, he was a provider. Not in just monetary measure, but he wiped my tears when I fell down, he encouraged me when I felt defeated, and he gave me a sense that no matter how bad life may seem in my world, tomorrow was another day. My Father seemed to have all of the answers and when he tucked me in bed at night, I felt all of the security I needed in life. He gave me a sense of security.
Second, he protected me from the villains of hurts and pains of the world. Not blindly, but he protected me by teaching me how to protect myself from bullies and the harmful words of others as I was younger. And as I got older he taught me how to say no to the promiscuous moralities of my young adult life. He taught me to stand up on my own and speak the truth and to make wise choices. He gave me that sense of protection.
Third, he gave me gifts through his generous heart. He gifted me with strength and education and a warrior spirit. He gifted me with the encouragement when I achieved small successes. He gifted me with confidence so I could survive the perils of my youth and adult life. His gifts were out of his love for me and intangible. He gave me many gifts needed in life.
And finally, he gave me a positive and illustrious vision. I was the princess and worthy to be saved. I did not grow up with what many call the "princess" syndrome. Instead, he helped me see I was worth saving, I was the leader of a great and mighty kingdom and I had the highest of value in the kingdom. I was able to grow up, and see myself just as worthy. He gave me self-worth.
As a Christian believer, my dad, through his kindness, giving, tender hearted love was a subtle introduction to a Father in Heaven who also loved me and finds me worthy. It was easy for me to transition into God's Kingdom, and see myself as God sees me. I saw a vision in my heart where I was worthy and of value and loved enough to be "saved". I love my daddy for giving me this gift of life and fulfillment.
Maybe as my dad grows older into his elder years, I will be able to sit with him and tell him stories of my life, my kids and grandkids lives. Maybe I will have the honor to provide for him a place in our lives as he did me so unconditionally all of my life. And quite possibly I will have many more wonderful years with him so that he could grow old in my presence, and I too, can give back the love, provision, gift of encouragement and vision he has given me. My desire is that he will live out his later years more blessed than his former years, more blessed than I was blessed and that one day, when he is ready, he will be able to go to His Father in Heaven, satisfied and overflowing in these gifts.
I love you Dad.
Judy Stevens (a.k.a. Judy Musslewhite) is a daughter, mother, wife and lover of life thanks to her Father.
She also owns http://www.ShootinBull.com a web design and seo company.
Judy Stevens is a mom, wife and Woman who loves the Lord. She is an internet marketing professional serving clients via globally through the web. Her work can be found via http://www.shootinbull.com.
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Judy, this is an exceptional write! I must admit, I, too feel the same way about my parents: "...To give a portion back to what has been given to me would be an impossible challenge..."
thank you so much! I really appreciate this, expecially since you are the expert here and I'm the noob! Thanks again for your encouraging words! Respond to this comment
Thank you. I have read other articles with situations much different from mine, and I hurt for some of the people that never knew their dads. I know I have a heavenly Father that puts us all on the same page, however, and for that I am grateful! Thanks for your comments. I appreciate them. Respond to this comment
What a wonderful tribute to your dad, Judy! I think this is the first time I have read your work. I will check out your other articles. We knew a man with the last name of Musslewhite in CO.
That was my Uncle Billy, in CO. and HE was my dad's hero! I am amazed this world is so small. Thank you for your comment. I appreciate them! Respond to this comment
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