What Makes A Dad
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle’s flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it … Dad
~ Author Unknown
Reflections: Fathers’ Day
As a child growing up, I always wondered about the father I never knew. Did he have blonde hair, was I like him? My mother never talked about him, and I never inquired because it caused her great sadness to discuss that time in her life.
For years, I would think about meeting him, and dream about our wonderful reunion. But that scenario would not happen. I had found out that he had passed away many years before I had started to look for him. I was so disappointed, all my questions would go unanswered.
I remember at church the minister talked about how much God cares for each of us, and he knows our pain and hurt in the secret places where only he can see. And he quoted a Bible verse that I never forgot:
God in His holy house is a father to those who have no father.
And He keeps the women safe whose husbands have died.
God makes a home for those who are alone.
Psalm 67:5 & 6a
I found great comfort in that verse but wondered if it would happen for me.
Little did I know that God had prepared a father for me in Alberta, Canada. When I married Lyle, I not only got a husband but a new father who became my dad.
Trygve was a kind, loving and humble man who loved life and loved me. As the years passed by it amazed me, how much alike we were. We both loved books, collected funny stories and loved humor. He loved to sing, loved people and most of all loved God.
Trig passed away in 2000; there is not a day that goes by that I don’t reflect on all the times we spent together. We would both cry through “Little House on the Prairie”, sad movies and touching books. We liked to laugh, sing in the car, go shopping, eating out and share the important family stories and our walk with God. How I loved and miss him.
I am thankful for the great privilege to call Trygve my DAD.
God gave me the desire of my heart, and his timing is perfect.
Thank you, Lord, for your wonderful gift.©
Happy Fathers’ Day!
Do you have special memories of your Dad? I would love to hear them. Hugs
Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
Have a wonderful Fathers’ Day weekend. Hugs to all.
Lovingly, Karan
I also acquired a father when I was married in 1991 and will never forget the love in his eyes when we visited him. So wonderful! Then a miracle happened about 15 years later when my own Dad contacted my brother and I. Our youngest brother and mother had already passed away; we had not heard from our Dad in 27 years! Three years later I got to see him in person for a sweet reunion. While my Heavenly Father (and Husband) had filled in many empty places over the years, I finally felt the love that had been missing. What a gift! My Dad passed away 2 months later at his home in Florida. I am so glad I took that trip back in 2011. Thank you Jesus!
Dear Julie, what a wonderful blessing and miracle God gave you. I am always amazed at God’s timing in our lives it is always perfect. What sweet memories. Thank you for sharing. Love you, Julie, I am praying for you and Steve. Hugs
I too think about Trig often. You describe him so well. I remember the library he had in his basement. I did not know anyone else at that time who had library. And I can still see Trig as he led the “open session” before Sunday School classes. He had many interesting ideas. And then it was special to see the friendship between my dad and his brother Trig. They could talk for hours about a great variety of subjects. My dad!!!! He had zest for life. Always planning and having another idea of how to keep busy and accomplish something. His joy in “retirement” was to read. Having been given the burden of dyslexia, reading was a very burdensome thing for most of of his life. But after he turned 60 , Dad persevered and soon was reading book after book. He carefully wrote down all the titles. There were well over a thousand titles in his notebook before he developed macular degeneration. However when he entered long term care,it was his joy each day to listen as I read book after book to him. Not only the story brought him joy but he had accomplished something every day as he kept note of how many pages had been read.
Thank you, Lucille, for those precious memories of both Trig and your dad. They had a wonderful love and friendship for each other. Your dad was a kind and gentle man, and I too feel privileged to know and love him. We were both greatly blessed. Looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday. Hugs.
What a wonderful story, you changed your focus and were able to see what God provided. There are so many who have never known their earthly father or have one who disappoints them. Our Heavenly Father is perfect and is always faithful, always merciful and His love is unconditional.
Joanna, you are so perceptive and kind, thank you for the encouragement. I am trying something new and pray people will find love and comfort in the journey. Love you