Mine's Best!

There's a children's book called, "Mine's Best."  It's about two kids boasting about whose balloon is the best.  As I read through my Facebook timeline this morning (Father's Day,) that book came to mind.  So many friends are boasting about having the best dad in the world.  It makes me happy.  Each and every one of those who feel that they have the best dad should be thanking God today.  Not everyone is so lucky.

I couldn't help but think of the ones who I know that will most definitely not be boasting of their wonderful dads today.  Sadly, not all grow up with loving, nurturing dads.  I think it's important to think of those on this Father's Day.  They don't know the true meaning of celebrating fathers.  This is what I have to say to those...girls, marry the kind of man that you want as a father for your kids... guys, be the kind of dad you always wished you had.  Give yourself a reason to celebrate this day in the future.

I happen to be one of the lucky ones.  My dad is the best!  I grew up with a very present, very involved dad.  He was a professional guy, a principal and preacher.  Yep.  I know.  Their kids are always the worst!  I've heard it thousands of times.  Anyway, my dad got up every morning and put on dress clothes and held a position of authority in our community.  I often took some abuse from others because of this, but I didn't care.  I was proud of him and proud to be his daughter.  He's never been a mechanically inclined guy.  If a vehicle broke down, it was off to the shop.  If the house needed a repair, he called someone.  That's okay.  Those skills are not the measure of a man.  Faith. Compassion.  Integrity.  Work ethic.  Those are the types of attributes that make a man, and I can boast loudly and proudly that my dad is a living example of all of those.

I also am lucky enough to have married a man that is an awesome father.  Reuben and I have had our share of ups and downs over the years.  There have been times that I've questioned the depth of his love for me.  Then, I watch him father our boys, and I know that he couldn't possibly love our boys this much if he didn't love me, too.  They are part of me, a part of my heart that's living, breathing, and walking this earth.  I thank God for giving my children such a wonderful father.  I pray that they will follow in his footsteps.

There's another kind of father that I want to acknowledge today... the ones that didn't have to be father figures but choose to be, anyway.  My father-in-law is one such man.  He married my mother-in-law when she was very young with two very little kids.  Their birth father was also very young and not involved with their lives.  Robert chose to be their dad, not their step-dad but their dad.  He has been the dad in every way ever since.  Reuben will tell you that he only ever had one dad, and that is Robert.  Men like these deserve a special recognition on this day.

So, as I prepare to go to church and celebrate all of the special men that play the role as dad, I am thanking God for putting such great examples of fathers in my life.  Mine really is best!!