a Magical Day

A few weeks ago I took my daughter to an event called Father's Delight.  It is a local event here in Nashville to connect fathers and daughters in a meaningful way.

For many of the dads it was great to see the electronics turned off and their attention switch on.  My youngest is adventurous and loved the day that was planned.
For information regarding this event
http://abbasway.com/fathers-heart-upcoming-events/fathers-delight/#comment-1860

The day started with the dads coming with a note about some special things about their daughters that is unique about them and that we find special and beautiful.  We also wrote a note about how excited we were about the day ahead and spending this time together.  While the dads were being briefed on the coming activities...the daughters were receiving a diary keepsake for photos and to journal about the activities later on in the day.


There were many activities together and the day was action packed.  Together we zip lined over the trees...did a horseback trail ride, giant swing...but our favorite was the alpine tower climb.  We were harnessed up with spotters and climber up this tower and together stood up at the pinnacle with our arms raised in triumph looking out over the whole camp and lake.

After the activities was a ceremony.  This ceremony was to let our daughters know those things that we find beautiful and unique about them.  She listened so intently and absorbed every word I said like it was a treasure.  She was surprised about the things I picked out about her.... her incredible imagination, quick wit, love for singing, sense of adventure........she felt "seen."  Everyone wants to know they matter in this world....everyone.

After the ceremony a surprise...the daughters had each written their dad a note...mine will be cherished forever.  I also felt "seen" by her. She "loves me because when the going gets tough..I don't run...I stay and fight."

We went home and got cleaned up for the ball---a princess ball.  There was a rose waiting for each princess and photo time.  The princess was taken back to the princess room for make up, sparkles....and of course a tiara.

I don't ever dance...but I danced this night because she made it ok for me to look a little crazy and foolish...just plain old fun.  Seeing other fathers I knew dancing with their daughters...it was fun, fun, fun.  Even our DJ was one of the dads from our group.

I remember during the ceremony earlier some of the dads with tears in their eyes saying some of the most wonderful and loving things to their daughters.  How can you ever recreate such moments in time?

I remember my thought from earlier in the day.....I want to be very intentional about speaking the things I see in her regularly and not just on special occasions which are far too rare and too far in between.

She is a treasure....and I have been trusted with her.....

What an incredible day!

Fathers Day

Yesterday was Fathers Day.

I worked Saturday night into Sunday morning...got home and ate some Fruit Loops and laid down my weary body for a short nap.  I knew I had to get up soon and get through working a full shift....then a planned time of opening cards to celebrate fathers day.


Some days it's challenging to get through life, let alone a celebration like Fathers day.

How about me...do I even miss my Dad, do I have some good memories to draw from?  I feel pretty numb on the subject.  The one memory I recall from a fathers day is Dad telling me to "forget the cards and any gifts...he just wants obedience." I was deflated and devastated.

Now that he's gone I want to tell him..."really Dad, I want so much more than the obedience...I need you.  I need your spirit of getting through... forging ahead, but we all need to hear your voice.  We need your leadership to speak into the void of the uncertain.  We all want your laugh..deep, loud billowing laughter that makes us all feel together and part of your inner circle."

I have heard a common denominator in conversations with my brothers and sisters....it is that they wish they would get the dad they saw when they would see him interact with neighbors or friends.  The guy who would be your best pal and give you the shirt off his back.  The friend you would call in the middle of the night when you had no where else to turn.  Work, weariness and the world has a way of taking our best and leaving a messy remnant in its place.

Fast forward back to yesterday, as my life and working two jobs so parallels my Dad's life....

 as I read my son's handwritten card....
"I am so proud of the sacrifices you have made for our family. You have been the best Dad we could ask for......"

Those words to validate me, the work I do to provide....all feels suddenly worth it.

I realize, I never connected those dots to say that to my Dad.  Maybe it would have been different had I found those words to offer him.

Man...I have great kids....and they are worth everything to me.

I spent a few minutes writing a note to each one of my children the day before. It felt a little contrived and cheesy when I was writing them. Each note talks about a significant strength of each one and how the attacks of the enemy are deliberate and are an attempt to take them out before they learn to use all that strength has for them in life.  I get done writing it and feel great because although some of the path my Dad and I walked in life are parallel, I realize they are very different.  I want to be intentional to give the words to my children that I needed and wanted, but never heard.

Dad, I will always love you and you taught me some great things.....Our heavenly father is adding to those lessons and finishing the job.....

You taught me a great work ethic and how to get through.....My other Father has taught me being a Dad is a powerful thing...to offer words that give wind to their sails and strength when there was none. There is so much more than providing and getting through...those are good things, but there is so much more before crossing the finish line in this life.  Right now there is basking in the words offered by my son...soaking it in "I am proud of you Dad."

My daughter had her card...she added a quote she found to offer me words today "when you feel like you're down to nothing, God is up to something"

He certainly is........