Thank you, Daddy

(A picture I found online)

Daddies are so important.

For real.

I could spend years telling you about the ways my Dad influenced my life for the better -- lessons he taught me, the love and security he gave me, the example he set for me, the way he understood me better than anyone else.

But we'll save that for another day because my shining example this month is from my father-in-law.

I think I've mentioned (a few times) how awesome my husband is.  Like, seriously, awesome.

But some of those characteristics that I admire in Garrett, are there in his dad...and even in his grandfather.  And I can see how these things have been passed down through generations of godly men.

Love -- the complete denying of your own needs to meet someone else's.
Patience/Forgiveness/Grace -- the willingness to allow for mistakes to be made, without throwing them up in people's face or making them feel guilty or inferior.
Reliability -- the steady dependableness that lets you know they will always be there for you and they will also do whatever they have promised.
Encouragement -- quick to see the good in others and to do what they can to help it flourish.
Humor -- the ability to see the funny side and enjoy it.
Determination -- sticking with a job until it is done, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles.
Instruction -- taking the time to explain and to teach.
Acceptance -- being willing to see who people are and like them for it.
Sensitivity -- noticing how others react to things and doing what you can to keep peace or to comfort them.
Flexibility in Conversation -- the ability to talk about almost anything, depending on the interests of the other party.

In the past few weeks, I've been noticing all these things in all three generations and admiring the way the older teaches the younger.

I've also had the opportunity to talk with some friends who came from very dysfunctional families.  It makes me so sad to hear about these daddies who were downright terrible to their children.  And I see how that influence has carried so far in the lives of their children -- in the wrong direction.

So I am grateful -- beyond words -- for my own wonderful daddy and grandfathers and for the generations of godly men in my husband's family.

And I'm grateful to the many good daddies I see every week.  I see the positive influence in their children's lives.

And, hey -- you men out there who aren't daddies yet but will be someday -- you guys are going to be some of the most influential people in the world!  Cultivate your own walk with God and don't hesitate to share it with the next generation.  It makes a difference!!!