I Have a Dad

I have a dad and today is his day. Today 60 years ago,he was born for a purpose. My dad has an awesome testimony, like an Israelite he's wrestled with the Lord for a part of his life. He's wrestled for many reasons that I still don't know but what really matters is that 60 years later he has made the Lord his love. My dad is a huge lover, he would smother me with kisses when I was little. I have now, along with the 10 grand children he has, grown to hate all mustaches. My dad and I have been through a lot together. It is true when they say the best things are worth fighting for.

Many don't have the privilege of saying they have a father, or one who is there at least. When my dad fell short, as humans do, I had God to remind me that I still needed my dad in all his forms. Through all his forms, falls, and victories my father persevered. He pushed to love his family better than the day before. My dad pushed to know the Father, the God, that had carried him and his family and loved him through all his seasons.

Like I said earlier, my dad was born for a purpose. My father has been a Spanish teacher for hundreds of years, just kidding! But for a good chunk of time. Students have always liked him and his sarcastic jokes that made up for his tough classes. Whether people had him as a student or they just met him in passing, they've always left with a smile on their faces. My dad can strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Usually, if I was around, the conversation would spark because of a joke he'd made up about me, yea glad I could help. I remember being on ski lifts, timid and quiet. Not my dad, he had to talk to everyone, it was cool....I guess ;). Also if anyone remotely looked like they could speak Spanish he would go up and start talking to them as if they were his long lost brother from Mexico. I would sit there and role my eyes like any teenage girl.

My dad has hospitality. He loves to cook Mexican food or anything else that comes fried and with the label "unhealthy," this is one of many running jokes between him and I. It was always easy to have my friends with dad around. My friends would always look at the both of us and tell us that we did not look alike. He would then say that I didn't get his good looks or something along those lines, oh brother haha!

My dad is vulnerable. This is something that he's had to learn, just as I am trying to learn. Through his transparency I have found the Lord in ways I never expected. It has also helped me in my current relationship. My father has encouraged me and shared insight with me in this area that is precious to me. His words have given me peace in areas that were restless.

My dad is a son. He belongs to the Lord and God is proud to have him. Through the 22 years I have known my dad, the Lord never stopped pursuing Him. God had and still has a purpose for this 60 year old man. God's instilled wisdom and love that has and will touch more lives than my father is aware of. God delights in my father and his love for Him.

My dad was made for His glory. Happy Birthday dad!