Father's Day

As Father's Day approaches (it will be this coming Sunday), I find myself reflecting on the many years that I was able to spend with my own dad. While I could never claim that he was my best friend I will stand firm on the notion that he was my confidant, advisor, mentor, and fan. That doesn't mean of course, that I always agreed with him. But I did always respect him.
I feel certain that he knew how I felt about him. There wasn't a time that we had contact after I became an adult that I didn't tell him that I loved him. I don't remember a time when he didn't tell me that he loved me. We weren't afraid of hugs or even affectionate pecks on the cheek.
What I remember most is that he loved God and my mother more than he loved me. But I understood that was how it was supposed to be. I also understood that he expected me to learn to love God and my wife more than I loved anyone else.
There is little doubt but what I'm a preacher today because of his influence. He loved preaching. He loved the people of the church even when they didn't love him. I don't remember ever hearing him say anything bad about the church...even the ones that mistreated him. I suspect that there were times he would have liked to tell some elders how he really felt, but, as far as I know, he never did. But he also expected to have the same respect returned to him.
I'd like to know how many children's lives he changed. As a school teacher, pricnicpal, superintendent, preacher, Bible class teacher, child care provider, and parent there is no way we will ever know. But I know this...I am a lucky man to have had the father I had. He made a positive impact on me that will last for my lifetime and quite possibly the lifetime of my own children and grandchildren. I love my Daddy!!!