Happy Father's Day

Wow! The weekend has come and gone and we celebrated twice. :)

We actually celebrated a week before Father's Day b/c it was the best time for all of my family to get together. We met at my parents' house and had dinner on the patio while the kids swam. There was also a pretty intense game of pick-up ball on our basketball court. I believe it started as 3-on-3 and ended with a 5-on-5 game. My hubs isn't the best shooter....but I was told that he was very aggressive! They had a lot of fun and it was good to see everyone.On Father's Day, we went to church, to the grocery store, and picked up the house before my parents came into town. I can't believe I didn't get a picture with my dad...but we had a very relaxing afternoon. I always feel the need to "entertain" when people come over, so it was really hard for me to accept that we were just going to sit around and visit. It was so hot we couldn't be outside very long....and there just wasn't much to do in our little town. I felt it bordered boredom, but my parents have reassured it was fine. Then I think that it probably was a blessing just to get away and do nothing. My mom spend most of her time in the kitchen helping me make dinner and dessert. Everything ended up being really good! We had guinness-braised chuck steak, horseradish mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, rolls and homemade lemon meringue pie!!! :) I so enjoyed having them there and getting to spend time with both of them.

Its hard when Mother's Day and Father's Day are separate holidays b/c I can't think of one parent without the other (I'm so grateful that I can say that, too). So when I think of all the ways that my dad impacted my life, I feel guilty not thanking my mom at the same time b/c she has her own list of ways (and since I took my Mother's Day post to share what we did that weekend, I'm going to be thankful for both of them in this post).The best thing that they did as parents was to lead me to the Lord and raise to love and serve Him. If everything else had been a catastrophe, that is the most precious blessing to me. Growing up in a home where both my parents love and serve God brings back incredible memories! I also truly believe the 2nd best thing they did for us, is that they loved each other. Growing up in a home where my dad loved my mom and she came first and where my mom loved and respected my dad is something that I will have with me the rest of my life. Its truly a gift. They have provided and protected. They have supported me and seen me through many trials in this life. They have helped me live out some of my dreams. They have become my best friends. Things were never picture-perfect; they aren't in any family. Learning who my parents are as people and loving them as an adult has been such a great experience. Someone posted on facebook late last week something that has really stuck with me: "It's funny, most people say "man, I won't be like that when I'm a parent." I myself try daily to be like my dad. Love you dad. Thank you for all you've taught me". While I'm not a parent yet, this is exactly how I feel. Both of my parents have such good qualities that I can learn from and try to take with me every day. I pray that I can savor those qualities and become just like them, so that one day (if my parents aren't here), my kids will have a glimpse into their lives.

Unfortunately, this life is short. I was reminded of this as I walked into work this morning. I am thankful for every single second that I get with my parents. I pray that as each day goes by, I won't take for granted what I have in my relationships with each of them.

Praying that you enjoyed your weekend and however you celebrate your dad! Make sure to hug them and always say, "I love you".