This week I walked downstairs on my way out the door to a meeting and you had worship music on. All three kids surrounded you, soaking it up - eyes closed, hearts open. That's the kind of dad you are.
Right now, you've taken the afternoon off to take the kids bowling and to the pool so I can get some writing done. You don't know that this post is about you. You just knew that I needed a break and saw an opportunity to go have some fun with our kids. That's the kind of dad you are.
Earlier this morning, you met your sister for coffee because family is important to you. That's the kind of dad you are.
Afterwards you worked hard making calls, being the voice of wisdom and creativity for your clients so you can provide for our family. That's the kind of dad you are.
You read books about technology and dreaming and creativity and Jesus so you can share those insights with our family. That's the kind of dad you are.
You get up early to enjoy the stillness and make breakfast for the kids so I can sleep in. That's the kind of dad you are.
Rules usually get thrown out the window when left up to you. And our kids absolutely love it! That's the kind of dad you are.
But, when the rules need to be enforced, we stand united as a team. No messing around. That's the kind of dad you are.
You care about our kids' interests and will listen and listen and listen and listen to them go on and on and on and on about them. Just when the story is wrapping up, you ask a question which gets them going all over again. That's the kind of dad you are.
When our kids ask you to do something, your response is, "Will it be fun?" And if it will be, the answer is always yes. That's the kind of dad you are.
Tears flood your eyes on a regular basis. You aren't afraid to share your tender heart with others, including your kids. Sad, happy, proud, or overcome with joy, those tears show our family how devoted you are to us and how humbled you are by our God who makes those moments possible. That's the kind of dad you are.
The outdoors aren't really your thing, yet you agreed to family camp as our summer vacation. Five days of crafts, campfires, swimming, and activities. You'll hopefully sneak in some fishing. You'll hopefully like the food and you hopefully won't be eaten alive by mosquitoes. But, you're sure to do it all with a (mostly) great attitude. That's the kind of dad you are.
When I took on more responsibility at work, when I launched this website, and then when I started the podcast, you filled in all the parenting gaps. The groceries, the laundry, the vacuuming and dusting. (Okay, so maybe we created an entire dust bunny colony during that time, but I know you WOULD have dusted had we remembered.) You supported my decision to give it a whirl and you supported my decision to quit, all while caring for our kids. That's the kind of dad you are.
Many people request time with you and you always make yourself available. Through early morning coffee appointments or mid-day lunches, you are mentoring and caring for an entire generation of people. That's the kind of dad you are.
You don't throw your youngest son through the window when he comes downstairs after he's supposed to be in bed. Although you want to. That's the kind of dad you are.
You feign being overwhelmed by beauty each time Tess and I come down the stairs after getting ready for the day, making the two of us feel beautiful and showing our sons how to treat a woman. That's the kind of dad you are.
Never caught up in comparison or competition, you cheer loudly for our kids at all their events and couldn't care less about the outcome. That's the kind of dad you are.
You take a nap nearly every day, modeling the importance of rest. That's the kind of dad you are.
We love dressing up for Halloween and you're always game for the crazy plan. Even if it means you'll wear red face paint that won't come off. That's the kind of dad you are.
You are an amazing friend - loyal, generous, and wise. And our kids see the importance of friendship through you. That's the kind of dad you are.
Not only did you decide to lead our son in a bible study, but you invited his friends. Oh, and also their dads. You've created a community of men seeking to know God's heart for their lives and the world. That's the kind of dad you are.
While you'd rather read a book or watch a movie, you play one-on-one in the driveway, soccer in the yard, and go for hikes on Saturday afternoons. Because your kids ask you to. That's the kind of dad you are.
Your son wanted a cowboy party. You took it to a whole other level when you invited your childhood friend (and cowboy) to bring his horses. And he came because he loves you. And you made the day of a surprised and happy, seven year-old. That's the kind of dad you are.
You make your kids fruit and veggie smoothies to counter-balance the sugar addiction you've given them. That's the kind of dad you are.
You've introduced our kids to classic movies and classic rock. That's the kind of dad you are.
The librarians know you by name and order things they think you and our kids will like. That's the kind of dad you are.
You make up characters and voices for every occasion. Rarely do you tell a story with a straight face. The kids roll with laughter and egg you on each and every minute. That's the kind of dad you are.
You regularly wear a shirt with Animal from The Muppets on it. That's the kind of dad you are.
I get a phone call every morning from you asking about our day and then you pray for us. That's the kind of dad you are.
On this Father's Day, we'll be traveling with little time focused entirely on you. But, you won't complain. In fact, you've already said that you can think of no better way to spend Father's Day than with your family preparing to learn more about God together.
And that, my love, is the kind of dad you are.
And why we all love you.