It’s Father’s Day. The day you are to honor the men in your life. And today’s the first time in my life that I have no one to buy a card for. You know this day will come – when you won’t have a father, grandfather, or husband to honor…you just never think that it will be when you are in your early twenties. So…since there was no card to buy today, I thought I’d write a quick tribute/things I’ve learned in the past two months since watching my dad suffer in the hospital and then losing him.
My dad was a great man. In the letter I wrote for his funeral, I shared my thoughts on some of the things that made Dad “Dad”. I want to challenge all of you who are honoring your father today – enjoy those little annoying habits that he does now. I know when my dad was still on Earth, I would just roll my eyes at some of the silly quirks he did – how he could find the sweets wherever he went, pick up a conversation with just about anyone and leave my mom and I waiting for him, somehow manage to make annoying noises with his utensils while eating dinner just to be “annoying”, or repeat stories several times…a habit that drove me crazy! He would never remember that he told us, but Mom and I would just sit at the dinner table and joke about how his memory must be going-along with his hearing…..this could go on several days until finally he came up with a new story to tell. Now that he’s gone, I find that I miss some of the things I found annoying before. So the next time you find yourself rolling your eyes or getting annoyed with your parents over the little things, remember that they won’t be here on this earth forever. Treasure those moments.
I’ve had several life lessons learned since my dad has been in the hospital and then went home to be with the Lord. First, nothing will ever prepare you for the loss of one of your parents – no matter how old you are. Even though you know they won’t always be here for you on earth, somehow…you just aren’t prepared. But I think that is also true for any death – no matter who it is. Just remember to enjoy your time with them now – even if they can drive you crazy at times. Secondly, you will find out who truly cares about you when you go through a tragedy. Unfortunately, you can’t expect all of your friends to be there for you in the hard times – it’s in these moments where you find who are your true friends. But you can be a friend at all times (Proverbs 17:17) – be there to support your friend no matter what they are going through…and no matter “how stressed” you feel over the little things in life, such as homework, work, or relationships. I’ve also learned that many people are very uncomfortable talking about a tragic situation. If a friend is going through a tragic situation, I encourage you to address the situation – acknowledge it – when you see your friend. Don’t just ignore it-that hurts. But don’t talk about it for awhile, unless your friend keeps the conversation going – it can make things awkward. Sometimes it’s good to talk about the trial, but other times, the person going through the situation just want life to feel “normal”. Fourthly, it’s ok to show emotion. It’s ok as a Christian to let others know that you’re not ok, that your heart is breaking. Emotions are real – and can be very dangerous if not acted on appropriately. Run to your Father who is holding His arms out to you. I don’t know how unbelievers even get through tough situations - - I had/have a God who I can go to with my fears and tears, but I still felt lost; I can’t imagine the despair a nonbeliever feels. Lastly, our God is a God of promise. He has promised to be with us always – in our delight and in our despair, to answer when we call for Him, and to have a purpose for everything that happens in life. Don’t give up on Him. At times, He may be the only One who truly knows your heart, your thoughts, and your pain.
My amazing best friend of 15 years introduced me to the song “Always” by Building 429 – the chorus and last verse really spoke to me. I’m going to leave you with the lyrics - as my hope that you will find encouragement and truth in them – whether you are loving life or feel like your world is falling apart. Hold on. There’s hope. God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.
~~~
Friend, I don’t know where you are and I don’t know where you’ve been
Happy Father’s Day, Daddy! Hope you’re singing your heart out and bringing much joy to others up there! :) I love you!
My dad was a great man. In the letter I wrote for his funeral, I shared my thoughts on some of the things that made Dad “Dad”. I want to challenge all of you who are honoring your father today – enjoy those little annoying habits that he does now. I know when my dad was still on Earth, I would just roll my eyes at some of the silly quirks he did – how he could find the sweets wherever he went, pick up a conversation with just about anyone and leave my mom and I waiting for him, somehow manage to make annoying noises with his utensils while eating dinner just to be “annoying”, or repeat stories several times…a habit that drove me crazy! He would never remember that he told us, but Mom and I would just sit at the dinner table and joke about how his memory must be going-along with his hearing…..this could go on several days until finally he came up with a new story to tell. Now that he’s gone, I find that I miss some of the things I found annoying before. So the next time you find yourself rolling your eyes or getting annoyed with your parents over the little things, remember that they won’t be here on this earth forever. Treasure those moments.
I’ve had several life lessons learned since my dad has been in the hospital and then went home to be with the Lord. First, nothing will ever prepare you for the loss of one of your parents – no matter how old you are. Even though you know they won’t always be here for you on earth, somehow…you just aren’t prepared. But I think that is also true for any death – no matter who it is. Just remember to enjoy your time with them now – even if they can drive you crazy at times. Secondly, you will find out who truly cares about you when you go through a tragedy. Unfortunately, you can’t expect all of your friends to be there for you in the hard times – it’s in these moments where you find who are your true friends. But you can be a friend at all times (Proverbs 17:17) – be there to support your friend no matter what they are going through…and no matter “how stressed” you feel over the little things in life, such as homework, work, or relationships. I’ve also learned that many people are very uncomfortable talking about a tragic situation. If a friend is going through a tragic situation, I encourage you to address the situation – acknowledge it – when you see your friend. Don’t just ignore it-that hurts. But don’t talk about it for awhile, unless your friend keeps the conversation going – it can make things awkward. Sometimes it’s good to talk about the trial, but other times, the person going through the situation just want life to feel “normal”. Fourthly, it’s ok to show emotion. It’s ok as a Christian to let others know that you’re not ok, that your heart is breaking. Emotions are real – and can be very dangerous if not acted on appropriately. Run to your Father who is holding His arms out to you. I don’t know how unbelievers even get through tough situations - - I had/have a God who I can go to with my fears and tears, but I still felt lost; I can’t imagine the despair a nonbeliever feels. Lastly, our God is a God of promise. He has promised to be with us always – in our delight and in our despair, to answer when we call for Him, and to have a purpose for everything that happens in life. Don’t give up on Him. At times, He may be the only One who truly knows your heart, your thoughts, and your pain.
My amazing best friend of 15 years introduced me to the song “Always” by Building 429 – the chorus and last verse really spoke to me. I’m going to leave you with the lyrics - as my hope that you will find encouragement and truth in them – whether you are loving life or feel like your world is falling apart. Hold on. There’s hope. God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.
~~~
Friend, I don’t know where you are and I don’t know where you’ve been
Maybe you’re fighting for your life or just about to throw the towel in
But if you’re crying out for mercy, if there’s no hope left at all
If you’ve given everything you’ve got and you’re still about to fall
Well hold on, hold on, hold on, cause
I believe always, always
I believe always, always
Our Savior never fails
Even when all hope is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
He will be with you always
~~~
~~~
Happy Father’s Day, Daddy! Hope you’re singing your heart out and bringing much joy to others up there! :) I love you!
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