A few weeks ago, the kids and I were wandering through Target when they happened upon a display of various Father's Day gifts. There were the usual picture frames, golf tees and balls and travel mugs, and then there were the things that made the kids stare in awe. Trophies. As soon as they saw them they declared that a trophy would be just the thing for their own daddy. The first two that caught their eyes were the "Best Handyman Dad" (with a hammer, saw and screwdriver) and the "Best Sports Dad" (with various balls). Caroline immediately grabbed the best handyman trophy, making her case for it by reminding the boys of how hard their daddy worked building houses to take care of them. All three boys had a hard time even considering anything other than the sports themed trophy because, well, it was just plainly obvious to them that their dad was the best when it came to teaching, playing and winning most sports! For many reasons, not the least of which being that they were spending their own money, I stayed out of the process and simply watched as they worked together to determine which award best represented their own dad. After a few back-and-forths between the two, Travis spotted a third award. It was a simple, gold stand with a globe on top that said, "Dad. Always There For Me." He picked it up, read it for the little kids, explained what it meant when it said that he was always there and that was that. No discussion needed. They immediately agreed that it was the perfect gift. And they were right. (There's no reason to mention or discuss the tears in my eyes or lump in my throat as I watched this scene play out.)
Jimmy is the best dad that I could ever imagine for our kids. He makes everything that we do a whole lot more fun, he's patient when I am not, he disciplines with wisdom and grace, and he definitely does not take himself, the kids, me, or life in general too seriously! He is willing to show both his strengths and his weaknesses, which works to create an environment where it's safe for them to be imperfect, too. And through all of this imperfection, he gratefully points them to the One who is perfect. And that by itself would make him the best daddy in the world. I'm so glad that he is mine. And theirs.
I am also thankful for my own dad, who provided me with many MEMORIES (right, dad?!) and continues to serve as an excellent example of what it means to love others above yourself. And for Jimmy's dad, who raised an amazing son and then gave him to me.
Jimmy is the best dad that I could ever imagine for our kids. He makes everything that we do a whole lot more fun, he's patient when I am not, he disciplines with wisdom and grace, and he definitely does not take himself, the kids, me, or life in general too seriously! He is willing to show both his strengths and his weaknesses, which works to create an environment where it's safe for them to be imperfect, too. And through all of this imperfection, he gratefully points them to the One who is perfect. And that by itself would make him the best daddy in the world. I'm so glad that he is mine. And theirs.
I am also thankful for my own dad, who provided me with many MEMORIES (right, dad?!) and continues to serve as an excellent example of what it means to love others above yourself. And for Jimmy's dad, who raised an amazing son and then gave him to me.