To Dad

My dad has always been a good father. He has taken care of his family in good times and bad. His parents, my Mother’s parents and all the brothers and sisters have always known that if they need advice or help with anything, they have someone to go to. I can remember when the men dad worked with started calling me “Little Gib.” I was as proud as a boy could be.

Ephesians 6
⁴And now a word to you fathers. Don't make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord.

With all of the good things my dad has done, the thing I remember most is not the fishing trips or the golf matches. It’s not even getting to play music with Dad and his friends. What I remember is sitting in the church and watching my father be baptized. I know that the transformation had taken place before he was immersed in the baptismal waters, but for me, that night was when my Dad went from being a good father to being a godly father.

I am fortunate to have a father that still uses the Bible for more than a table decoration. He has taught me what it means to be the spiritual leader of my home. I haven’t always followed his lead, but I have always come back. There is only one way to be a successful father and that is to follow the Son. The more we allow God to mold us in the image of Christ Jesus, the better father we will be. I want to be like my dad because he wants to be like his Father – like father, like Son.

I still cherish the time I get to spend with Dad. Whether we are making music or discussing memories, there is a joy in his heart that can only come from his Father. I watch as my son, daughters, grandchildren, and daughter-in-law look at Dad like I do as they listened to him talk or play his musical instruments or sing his songs. It makes me prouder than ever to be a part of his lineage because he is a child of the King.

We serve an awesome God!!!!!