REVELATION (read at my dad's memorial service 2/6/2010)

Parents are supposed to teach their children many things in life. How to walk, talk, keep clean, eat properly and eventually, how to function as adults in society. But there are some things that are very important for a father to teach his children that can change their life forever. I was blessed to have a father that cared to teach me the most important thing in life. My father showed me MY FATHER.

My father demonstrated unconditional, sacrificial love to me. I never thought anything other than that my daddy loved me so much, he would go to any length to help me have the best future I could. Whether that meant sacrificing what little he had so that I could attend a Christian school, or playing “just one more” game of dominoes, or a comforting hug after I banged up my car. He just wanted me to know a father’s love that valued his child above all else. My father showed me MY FATHER.

My father always provided for my needs. I didn’t necessarily have everything I wanted, but dad always knew what I needed even when I had no clue what that was. I always had plenty to eat but he also made sure my spirit was fed. I remember him helping me to learn Bible verses; he showed me his “system” to real memorization. And it worked; I can still recite John 1 and several Psalms that are locked in my heart forever. We had devotions every morning before heading off to school. I often would rather have spent the time either cramming for a 1st period test or just being lost in my own thoughts, but my dad knew this is what I needed to build within my life—Godly character not just educational success. He was a good provider – for the spirit, soul and body. My father showed me MY FATHER.

As a child I never had a care in the world. I knew my father would take care of everything for me. Did I ever worry about food on the table, the mortgage being paid, or what tomorrow would bring? Those things never crossed my mind because my dad took care of it all. I never had to be afraid when my daddy was nearby. He kept me safe and secure. I could completely trust my father. But that was only because he trusted HIS FATHER. My father showed me MY FATHER.

My father had great joy in his children. He loved hearing of their accomplishments in life. He was so proud of the electrician, the computer programmer, the carpenter, the teacher, the scientist, the manager and the mom. He loved getting the family together for holidays and vacations. As a child, I can remember a living room full of yelling and cheering as they watched football together. Spending time goofing around on York Beach was a thrill for him too. Cuddling up with grandkids was always a treat. As we all grew and went off to our various parts of the country, I know he treasured any time he could spend with his family. My father showed me MY FATHER.

Dad knew there was right and wrong. He tried his best to relay that to his children and his congregations. Maybe he was a little too “zealous” some might say, but that was only because he understood the consequences of going the wrong way. He passionately wanted everyone he had contact with to choose the “narrow way which leads to life”. His heart longed for everyone to “Come to Jesus, and Live.” My father showed me MY FATHER.

Unlike my Heavenly Father, my earthly father was not perfect and I think he knew this and struggled with this. One memory I have that will stay with me forever occurred just 3 years ago. I took my parents to see the Amazing Grace movie at the theater. The closing scene of the movie is a powerful one. A contingent of Scottish bagpipers is playing that most famous hymn in front of Westminster Abbey. The swells of the music enveloped us in the theater audience. I looked over at my dad and tears were rolling down his face. He never could fathom God’s “Amazing Grace that saved a wretch like me”. This is what I received from my father, a glimpse of the Amazing Grace of MY FATHER. I am truly grateful …my father showed me MY FATHER.