happy birthday {dad}

A tradition my Dad and Mom have had for years is on our birthday's they tell my brother and I the story of our birth. Every year I look forward to sitting down and laughing together as my parents sit and retell silly stories about me from my childhood. I love listening to them laugh as they remember my brother and I with joy. One of my favorites is when we lived in Oklahoma and were stationed at Tinker AFB. I would walk into the bathroom while my dad was shaving and this is how the conversation would go:

I would ask, "Watcha doing Daddy?"
"Shavin," said Dad.
I would ask again, "Watcha doing Daddy?"
"Shavin," said Dad.
I would ask again, "Watcha doing Daddy?"
"Shavin," said Dad.

It would go on and on and he would just keep answering me :-)

Only now that I am 23 and married do I realize how much my Dad has taught me about grace, patience, working hard and generosity. I am so thankful that despite my sin, my Dad has shown me grace and always taken me back when I've walked away not only from my family but from the Lord. He is so much like the father in the story about the prodigal son. My Dad has seen me several times walk far away from the Lord, but when I came back, there was a celebration, joy and hope. My Dad has taught me to labor well and to honor the Lord. As sappy as it may sound, I am so thankful and excited for what another year will bring! And next year will be a party because he'll be 50!!! (shh... don't tell him I told you)

A picture of my {dad} and I from my wedding.



Photo credit: Amaris Hames

dmj.