When I Was Young
When I was a little girl my Dad would pick me up from ballet and take me to Baskin Robbins every week. He sat in a big swivel chair and I sat right next to him in a kid size chair eating my daiquiri ice sorbet with a tasting spoon. It was sour, not alcoholic and boy was it tasty. I remember him brushing my hair, putting it up into pigtails and braiding them. My hair, always adorned with the hand painted hair ribbons he made for me. My favorite memory is singing show tunes with him in the kitchen, me singing the part of Annie and my Dad singing the lines of Daddy Warbucks. “I don’t need anything but you,” we would sing together.
I can’t say that my Father is a man of many words. Perhaps it comes from growing up with 3 sisters, or perhaps it’s 35 years of living with my Mom and 2 daughters. That being said, when he does share nuggets or stories I listen.
A stubborn fool despises his father's discipline, but whoever appreciates a warning shows good sense. Proverbs 15:5 (GOD'S WORD® Translation)
Despite the relationship you have with your father it’s important to understand that his life experiences are things you can learn from. Sometimes you learn what you should be doing and sometimes you learn to walk in the opposite direction.
Each June we have the opportunity to celebrate and honor our fathers. Take the time to truly honor both your earthly and heavenly fathers. This is one seed you want to plant. I believe I’m reaping my harvest now, I see it every week when my husband takes our daughter out on a daddy /daughter date to Starbucks and Toys R Us.
One of the greatest things my father said to me, while broken hearted in my early twenties, was, “Honey, if he doesn’t like you then he must be gay.” You see, not all nuggets of wisdom have to be so serious! I’m tucking that one away for my own daughter… when she’s 25!
Stoplight Prayer: Father in heaven thank you for my Father & Husband. Help me to find ways to continue to honor them even when they are difficult and make me want to scream. Please continue to guide & protect them and they continue to do the same for us.