The Love of a Father

Dad. A small word. But a word that has the power to conjure up a mass array of images.

It's father's day in a couple of weeks, and whilst I was in the ABC shop earlier today my eyes locked itself with a book on fatherhood.

My thoughts immediately fell upon Dad. Not just my Dad, though that was a big part, but also and more importantly the whole notion of Fatherhood in light of God - our perfect Father.

As I reflected upon my own childhood and my father, I smiled as I recalled the qualities that makes my father unique - His love for nature. His love for photography. His love for creating. His love for making. His love for providing. His love for observing. His love for adventure. His love for his family; Not just his own, but his wider extended family. His protective (at times overprotective) nature. His generosity. His principles. His softness. His laugh. His visions. His planning. His clarity. His big picture perspectives. His delights and pleasures. His simplicity. His innovativeness and his resourcefulness. His surprises. His cheekiness. His ability to make something so small, so special - like putting cans of coke in our Christmas presents and wrapping them into different shapes, sizes, and textures to mislead my brother, sister and I into wild guesses late every night leading to Christmas Day. I recalled the the ways he cared, and the ways he shared. The ways he guided, and the ways he encouraged. In short, his love. Though my father wasn't and isn't perfect. I know he loved the way only a father could, and know how to love.

I walked out of the shop with a gift for my Dad - two weeks early. It's a strange, but good place to be. Out of all the members in my family, my father is the only person with whom I struggle to find meaningful, yet relevant and practical gifts. I just hope he doesn't read this post - two weeks early. Haha.

To God, my perfect father, who continues to dazzle and amaze me with His unyielding and abundant love. My greatest teacher of life, of people, of love, of all. Thank you for providing me with everything you continue to bestow upon me - to all things eternal and everlasting. Your kingdom is truly astounding.

Before I go, below are some simple thoughts and sayings on Fatherhood. Some of them particularly resonated with me.

Becoming a Father is easy. Being a daddy is difficult.

The only man a girl can rely on is her dad.

Dad: a son's first hero, a daughters first love.

Dad teach their kids all about life... ... kids teach their dads what life is all about.

A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.

There is perpetual summer in a father's heart.

Who my father was doesn't matter... ... what I remember about him does.

The greatest gift a father can give his son is to believe in him.

If you want your kids to be blameless, you have to be blameless yourself.

Dads can do anything.

A father is worth more than a hundred school teachers.

The best inheritance a father can leave his kids is a good example.

Every father should remember that one day his son will follow his example, not his advice.

My father's hands expressed kindness he could not put into words.

A father is a guiding light who shows you the way.

A father takes lots of pictures but is never in them.

Fathers teach and hold love.

You never outgrow your need for your dad.

A father's shoulder makes the softest pillow.

The strongest need in childhood is for a father's protection.

Tell your children you love them everyday.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17