As a part of our service, my church has a time when individuals get up to express their faith. These expressions are often either recent faith-promoting experiences or simply validating heartfelt beliefs. In our last meeting, my youngest daughter Lindie (who I call “Giver”) was sitting next to me. She leaned over, looking up at me with her beautiful blue eyes (which could melt any father’s heart), and asked that I get up to share my thoughts. I knew she wanted to hear from me; she kept insisting politely, Daddy, it’s your turn. Time ran out and didn’t allow me to share that day. However, her request has been on my mind ever since.
I have been thinking of the fathers in the world and how we all have something inside us, we want our children to know. I understand that, as a group, we perhaps are not the best at verbalizing– anything. Maybe our hope is that we live a life where our example will suffice, yet realize internally we need to do more. Contemplating these things, I realized that some may have never shared their feelings with loved ones, leaving them with a great void. While I admit I am not entirely guilty, I don’t want this remarkable daughter ever to wonder what is in my heart. So here are a couple of things, some thoughts running through my mind today. These are thoughts I would want her to know about me.
My favorite color is a rainbow exploding across the sky, ensuring promises are made; validating something special is waiting at the end of everything beautiful.
My favorite place is anywhere I can witness Mother Nature’s glory while standing and sharing with loved ones.
The statement, “Two hearts become one…” is a principle I awake every morning grateful for. My life is what it is because my wife (your mother) has made me who I am.
Love only gets sweeter as you get older. The more I learn, the more I understand, and the greater my compassion.
Patience is a virtue that, if mastered, nothing will stop your passionate heart.
I have gained knowledge through life of the existence of our creator. This deep, inner conviction is validated and strengthened daily by interacting with nature and my fellow human beings.
Our creator wants us to find joy, providing us an inner compass that guides us; if we but learn to follow. The truth we build on confirms there is a plan and that this plan is available to all.
Happiness in life comes as a result of living through painful times as well. We would never feel or sense how wonderful life can be without experiencing trials along the way. Life has things presented to us that are beyond our control; happiness is found by not worrying about these things.
If you are wronged, it is only human. Forgiveness comes by seeking mercy while looking the other in the eye.
Dreams are made for us to realize anything is possible. Never stop dreaming and believing; know you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
Know that any great achievement requires risk. Be willing to risk, knowing the potential for reward.
My greatest joy is knowing you are happy; my greatest pride is when you have done your best. The fact you picked me as your Dad makes me the luckiest man on the earth.
Jaren
Good thoughts Jaren. Out of all the things I may say to my kids each day, the 3 words I try to make sure I say are “I love you”. Hopefully that reassures them that regardless of what we may have argued about, disagreed on or knocked heads about, that they are loved, wanted in our family and accepted just the way they are.
I know, they know you love them. Keep being you, you have and will continue to make our world a better place my friend! I love you 🙂