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I'm not sure where even to start to say thank you to Dad for all he does for me, both in my life and at the TH. Dad supports the TH in ways large and small. For example, he is the one who meticulously chops and mixes together the cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, chilies and cilantro for my raita each time I serve butter chicken curry. He invariably comes over to help me unload and put away my groceries on a Friday night when I am so tired I can't even figure out what should go in the fridge and what should go on a shelf. If I'm on the road on a Thursday he will put out my garbage for me. He checks in every Saturday and Sunday to say a few words to each of the staff and to a number of the guests as well. I could go on, but these Thanksgiving month posts are supposed to be succinct ...I think the one word that captures the essence of Dad is LOVE. Everything he does is motivated by a spirit of love and by his desire to be a help and an encouragement. He has had his share of tremendous loss and sorrow; but he doesn't let it adversely affect his dealings with people. Rather, he draws on his experiences of pain and of life to try to understand other people's sufferings and to be able to encourage them in their daily walk.
Dad often is asked to fill in as "pulpit supply" for small country churches. Sometimes there are as few as 25 people in the congregation. People have apologized to him for the small number present, to which he cheerfully responds, "God's here and we're here. We have everyone we need!"
He has spoken at many funerals: his words always reveal his knowledge of the departed one and without fail offer hope and comfort to the loved ones left behind.
He often says, "Nothing to prove; nothing to lose." And because of this, he can be completely free to love and to care for people with whom he comes into contact.
I was reminded of what a treasure we as a family have when one of the TH's newer friends said to me this afternoon, "I watch your Dad around here and I read about him on your blog. I long for a relationship with my Dad like that again."
The thing about Dad's love is that there is always enough and to spare. So if you need a hug from a Dad who cares, give him one. I know he'll hug you back.
The world needs more Dads, & I for one would have been honored to experience this pure love from one. Beautiful tribute of Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteI Love this post! My dad was a lot like this and I thank the Lord for every year that I had him. My dad taught that fathers are supposed to be the example of our Heavenly Father. The one that draws us closer and loves us unconditionally. Even though that's what they are supposed to be, it's pretty rare. I know you'll treasure your dad for as long as the Lord allows here on earth:).
ReplyDeleteI love that part about your dad encouraging the smaller churches. That's exactly what he did here:). We had 4 first time visitors today and one repeat from a couple weeks ago, bringing the total to 30 or 31 with about 5 of the regulars still missing. It was encouraging:)
Alicia, I saw a pretty good Dad with his little girl looking radiant sitting in the purple chairs on Sunday night! I took a picture and will send it to you ... and Meleah, I wish I had had the opportunity to meet your Dad. But just knowing you tells me that he must have been someone very special. Thanks, both of you, for sharing ... xo
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