The Circle of Life

I've been trying to find a perfect quote to sum up fatherhood. I've found some that are funny, some that are poignant, some odd ones, but not the perfect one to say it all.

A man's children and his garden both reflect the amount of weeding done during the growing season. Unknown

He's done plenty of weeding.

At ages 20 and 17, our two {children} aren't really children at all, anymore. Their growing season is just about over and we're starting to see the harvest ready itself as they move on into the next phase of their lives.

So as I was watching them this morning in church, I started thinking about all the things the Man has done to shape these two people.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

The Man has raised children that love our God and savior, Jesus Christ. That's the most important legacy he could leave them. The knowledge that we all account to something greater than ourselves. And that we're all accountable for our actions. We don't get to walk through life, acting as we please, with no consequences.

Every father should remember that one day his son will follow his example instead of his advice. Unknown

The Man's the first one to volunteer when something needs to be done. He'll give you the shirt off his back. He takes care of everyone else before himself. He is one of the finest men I know. He's as honest as the day is long. And his children have paid attention.

They not only attend church every week, J and some other young adult friends started a young adult weekly bible study. J plays guitar for the worship team, leading the congregation in praise through music. K sings with the worship team, as one of the song leaders. She's performed with J and his fellow guitarist on special occasions, like Christmas. She teaches Children's Church, leading the young ones of the congregation in following God's commands. J mows the lawn for the church, and shovels sidewalks. K volunteers on the town's ambulance and volunteers to mentor special needs students at the high school.

They have listened to their father. They have watched their father. And you know what? They are just like their father.

He has trained them well, for he was trained by his father. And we know, someday, we'll watch J and K's future husband train their children.

The circle of life.

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I have lots of pictures from the weekend. Sissy and Other Sissy and their families, along with my dad, were over on Saturday night so we could all celebrate the fathers in our family. I'll post some tomorrow.

Tonight I wanted to write about the Man. He deserves no less than an entire posting all for himself. 

He's the best. And I love him so.