Dates With My Dads

Dads – The protectors and providers of the family. Great dads serve and give selflessly to see their families thrive. They aren’t afraid to discipline their kids, when necessary, in order to correct wrong behaviour and help them follow the right path of life. They are great listeners, teachers, and adventurists. They’ll help you overcome fears, explore the great outdoors, and grow into a strong woman.

How many of you have ever had a date with your dad? Or, if you’re a man with daughters, have done this with them? My dads have been great at this and partly why I have a wonderful relationship with them. I know they love me, listen, and care. I have a special bond with each one of them. I thought I’d share one memory I treasure with each of them today as we head towards Father’s Day.

Dad Jeff –We didn’t go on many formal dates growing up, but there was a season that I treasured most with him. The high school that I attended was close to my dad’s work. He typically finished around 3pm so I walked there after school and waited for him. We’d then walk the rest of the way home together. My Dad and I could talk for hours and found it relaxing. If the weather was nice when we arrived home, we’d lay by the pond in the backyard and continue talking about life. Sometimes we were content to just sit there together with our fingers in the water, playing with the fish. He made me feel loved and valued. He cared about what was happening in my life and always showed me grace while I processed through things.

Dad David – My Dad David is similarly great for having heart-to-heart conversations with me. We’d enjoy a delicious dinner at a restaurant and an action-packed movie at the cinema. Then we’d go home and make a loaded ice cream sundae and talk about the latest thing on our hearts. Dad has an analogy that many opportunities in life are like tools in the toolbox. The more experiences you have and skills you learn, the more tools you’ll accumulate to fill the box. He often challenged me to push myself out of my comfort and try new things. I am so grateful for that.

Dad-in-love Floyd – One of the special moments I had with my dad-in-love was just over a year ago. Michael makes me a lot of beautiful wood pieces around our home. I wanted to be able to do the same for him, so I asked Dad if he’d be willing to help me build a bistro table for Michael. He would teach me how to do each phase and we worked alongside each other in others. It was a special time we had while creating the table and seeing all of the pieces come together. He gets an extra spark in his eyes each time he has the opportunity to teach and invest in people’s lives. It was a great moment to share with him.

All of my dads love Jesus and make an effort in their own unique ways to continue to counsel and encourage us towards Him. They are all incredibly loving, generous, and helpful. They’ll make every effort to be by our side in any time of need. They’ve all chosen to learn/teach themselves how to build and repair things which has given them an enjoyment for using tools. As I look around our home, I see places that all three of them have helped us create something beautiful here. They are all treasured memories.

I know a lot of people have struggled in their relationships with their fathers. You might be one of them. I acknowledge that and have compassion for you. I know it is rare to have three fathers who care and invest in me. I need you to see that there are good and honourable men still out there. Men who know how to treat a woman, who provide for and protect their families in healthy ways, and that can be used as an example to follow.

As I mentioned in the Memories with My Moms post, the Lord always provides someone to fill that void. Ask Him for a couple that will come alongside you and be a spiritual mother and father for you. It’ll help you to grow and resist temptations to look for that love elsewhere.

Most importantly, you do have a Father that will love you, never leave you, and usurp any good and amazing thing an earthly/biological father can do for you. An earthly father will eventually pass away, but your heavenly Father never will. He will always be with you, everywhere you go. He’s always accessible to you and wanting to hear your every thought and need. He loves giving generously and exactly when you need it. He lavishes His love on you and is tender and gracious towards your failings. He will discipline you when you make mistakes in the perfect way that will help restore you and get you back on the right path. He is cheering you on with great joy as you learn and grow into the woman He desires you to be.

Thank you to all of my dads for your amazing love and investment in my life. I am forever grateful. Thank you for being a physical example of Christ’s love and Father-like-figure to me. I love you all.