Daddy

Father's Day 2014 brings a new and greater appreciation for the caring Daddy that God gifted me with.  As I began mulling over what to write at the beginning of this week, all I could think of were cliche phrases at best-a phrase such as "Best Dad in the World."  I wanted to depict that to me-without going all adjective crazy on you- he is a wonderful dad, and that I'm thankful for him.

I'm writing a feeble, night-turned-morning-on-Father's-Day account of seven quickly unearthed snapshots of events -that were so normal and taken for granted as a girl, but so life-giving and valuable to me now-because I see these moments, some I still experience even today as pathways to thanksgiving to God!

1. Sky Aware.

He likes flying, sunsets, and the moon.  Daddy is constantly looking skyward at the slightest chop of a helicopter, the low rumble of a 747, or stellar heavenly handiwork displayed by evening light.  This "Ah! Cool! There's a massive rumbling sound in the air!!!" thought sticks with me through everyday. :)  As I sit at the park with Amanda and the kids, and I hear a plane I can't help but scan the blue atmosphere for an airplane-even if the planes are flying overhead at the rate of 1 per 4 minutes-and I like it.

2. Trails.

Daddy and Momma biking down the trails of the Cedar Valley with Anna and I in tow, is a memory that is pleasant to recall.  Anna and I always had a time of keeping up with our two bicycle-loving, fit parents.  I think the longest bike ride I  took before I was 12 was near Lanesboro Minnesota, and it was about 25-26 miles long.  Sometimes it was really great to be biking, and sometimes Anna and I would have thought to skip it; but now I appreciate it as great family-time fun.

3. Time Telling, Lefts and Rights, and Money.

Today, daddy was just "drilling" Asher about which hand was his left, and which was his right, and Asher passed the drill with flying colors at three years old (smartypants).  There were many kitchen-side drills similar to the one I witnessed a few hours ago.  "Raise your left hand, point to your right ear. . ."  I needed the practice with "left" and "right," and Anna needed the practice with her "face-telling-time," and you've taught both of us through the year about money.   Thanks for practicing these basics with us, without laughing at us, I don't know if I could have done it! :o)

4. The Treasure Tree. 

This is a book you read to Anna and I many times when we were tiny, tucked beside you, we would hear the tale of four animal friends finding great treasure when they all work together.  The stories were amazing then, but now I value the time you took to read story books, advent books, and God's Word to your daughters. Thank you for leading us to love learning.

5. Green and Yellow. 

I've been an extremely opinionated tractor observer since I was able to speak- I'm certain.  The Reed family is a "big green tractor" family, and it was always fun spotting the naughty blue and red tractors in the fields and yelling out incredulously, "That naughty tractor!"  You're a loyal hard working Daddy, thank you for working long hours to provide for your family.  I appreciate the work that you do, and I know you do it with excellence! And, I truly like the fun-spirited brand loyalty we have for John Deere.  [Gigging to myself as I write about this one.]

6. Subs, Pitas, and ice cream {and many other food adventures}.

I know, the heading for this one is broad. But we have spent a lot of time together over food, so I thought it appropriate. :)  One very big thing that happened to me around the dinner table, was a conversation about the Gospel lead by my Daddy.  God used that conversation to reaffirm my trust in Christ alone for saving me, not in my "good girl deeds," or trusting in a prayer I may have not understood when I was three when God first drew me to Himself. Salvation in Christ alone.  What an awesome time of hearing from God's Word, and being prompted to respond in faith to the Gospel that day!

Thank you for taking me on dates, to eat yummy food, ask thoughtful questions, and to give me space to talk about my life with you.

P.S. Tonight's ice cream date was really fun. :)

7. "I Spy." 

It's been a family tradition for years, whenever anyone sees something that is incredible in nature (for us, it's usually a sunset in the backyard), we say "I spy!" and it reminds us to marvel and be thankful for that gift we see right in front of us.  You'd better try this one sometime, it's a lot of fun to spot things that are marked with beautiful design in creation!

I'm grateful for my Daddy, because he leads me to wonder at little things, and then turn that enjoyment of the created, toward the Creator through thanksgiving.

Man, once I get going it's so hard to stop-- I just want to keep adding to the list of thankful thoughts for today!  My hope for you, dear reader, is that through small things (like the memories of my Daddy on this page), God would increase your joy in Himself in big ways, and that He would be magnified through your own memories of His faithfulness to you.

Happy Father's Day Daddy! 

I'm delighted that I get to spend the day with you!

John Deere Tractor Exploring Circa Sept. 27, 2008