As my life shifts ever-forward into the new experiences that college and work bring, a new appreciation and gratitude for God’s provision in the family that He has given me has almost overwhelmed me these last few days. I see the young women around me and the way they live their lives and I shudder to think what and who I would be if not for the faithful foundation that God started laying down in my life through the labors of my parents. There is no room for pride in the contrasts that I see between my life and theirs. I am keenly conscious that it is only God’ sovereign grace that stands between me and the series of small, “insignificant” compromises that would lead me to walk down the road I see so heavily traveled by my classmates and coworkers. It was the same grace that took my parents, both of whom came from broken homes and taught them how to raise a family that was/is whole.
Yesterday was my monthly “doughnut day” with dad (a ritual that has now turned into “oatmeal day”… yes, I now get oatmeal at Jamba juice instead of doughnuts at the local shop!). As I ate my oatmeal and Dad drank his Bali Blue Moon brew, he talked, listened and encouraged me. “We are walking this path together you know. I may be your dad but as fellow sojourner we walk this life side by side towards the same goal.” There were moments in our conversation when one or both of us began to get a wet sparkle around the eyes as we talked about how blessed we were. Such an openness and demonstrated love between family members is rarely seen, let alone in a father—daughter relationship.
Words can’t begin to describe how thankful I am for the father that God has given to me.
Thank you Dad, for helping me be the woman God has designed me to be by being the real man God has called you to be.
