My dad is the funniest man I know. Not the stand-up comedic kind of funny, but the everyday conversation kind of funny. As the man walketh, so does his humor. Those of you who know him well, know this to be true. Those of you who know me well, know this also to be true of me. I know this shocks some of you. I’ve even heard it from some of you upon meeting me for the first time.
Elaine, I thought you’d be this serious, contemplative type of person who sits around all day thinking profound thoughts about God. Instead, you’re funny.
I’ve never been offended by the conclusion. After all, I write about some fairly heavy stuff here at “peace for the journey.” But I like knowing that I can be both—contemplative and humorous. I have my father to thank for this genetic DNA. My daddy makes me think and makes me laugh, sometimes within the span of a few minutes. He’s the most generous man I know, giving the best of himself away to all who cross his path. He’s not impressed with things, more importantly, not impressed with himself. He is, however, impressed by the story. Your story; my story; God’s story.
My daddy sees God everywhere, because my daddy is connected to life. To joys and pains equally. To highs and lows. Griefs and graces. Sorrows and celebrations. Regardless of the occasion, my dad has discovered how to live with a balanced perspective. My father lives contentedly and always tempers the tough times with large doses of humor.
I’m so glad I still have him around. He was the first man to ever hold me, to ever love me. The first man to wipe my tears, to tell me bedtime stories, to pray the prayers that all good parents should be praying with their children. He was the only man who loved me when others would not … could not. And his were the arms that stretched wide-open for me and welcomed me home after a long season of loveless wandering in the wilderness. In doing so, my daddy told me the story of Jesus all over again. That one moment in my personal history did more to script the eternal witness of God into my life than any other.
And so, today, I tell you again this story I’ve told you before via this video that I posted on my one-year blogging anniversary, nearly three years ago. It’s a bit painful for me to watch it, considering the many miles that have been walked in the time since first posting it. But one thing, one thread remains the same to this day.
My daddy is still stretching his arms wide-open to welcome me home. He’s still making me laugh, still telling me stories. Still connected to the world, and still making sure that I know the way back to Jesus. Today, I honor my father by sharing this witness again. He’d want you to know that, even if you’ve never had an earthly daddy to love you, you have a heavenly Father who loves you perfectly and whose arms are stretched wide on your behalf.
I love you, daddy, for so many reasons, but none more so than for telling me … showing me God. You tell him well!
~Lansey
I just watched your video, and read your heart for your dad on this page. I am choking back my own tears, as I am so reminded of my dad, and how he loved me. We are abundantly blessed to have dad's who know Jesus, and taught us with their lives.
xo
What a beautiful post. Your dad sounds like a wonderful man. And a great example of our heavenly Father. Enjoy your time with both of them this Christmas season.
I don't think I'd ever seen that video before. What a great picture of a daddy's love — and of our Father's love for us. Thanks for sharing it again!
i miss my daddy…
love your post …
my memories are golden
a friend lost his daddy this past Thursday…somehow i'm comforted about their now being together watchig down on us.
love your video, too
That just moved me so much. I LOVE that you mentioned your sense of humor. I hear the same thing when I meet someone whose only read my blog. Maybe we need to write a humorous post once a week. 😉 So thankful you have a daddy like you do. What an incredible blessing to be treasured.
What a great tribute to your dad…what a wonderful testimony to your heavenly Father….
Tears are flowing. What beautiful words to honor your dad.
Its wonderful to have that loving relationship with your daddy, and know that no matter what happens you're always his "daughter."
~Tammy
Wow; such a powerful way to "honor" your father. His heart must be filled to overflowing.
My daddy has been gone a long time now … since 1964 when I was but 16. I adored him because he was gentle, industrious, loving & fun. I miss him most at Christmas.
So good to "see" you again. You look FABULOUS given your year-long ordeal. Thank you, Lord!!!
Beautiful story of your dad…
He reminds me a lot of mine. Full of humor and love for Jesus. Be are BLESSED gals, you and I.
Beautiful post all the way around. What a wonderful man your daddy is. How blessed you are to call him Father and for God giving him to you.
Thanks!
Loved it!
I'm so glad you still have your Daddy with you too Elaine! And I'm not surprised to hear you say you have his sense of humor! I've "sensed" that through the years although I've not…YET…met you in person! 🙂
I do miss my Daddy. He lived to be 96 and has been gone for 4 years now. One of the best things he left me was something my step-mother told me a few weeks after he passed away. She and I were sitting and talking and just out of the blue she looked at me and said…"Your Daddy thought there wasn't anything you couldn't do!" That meant the WORLD to me!!
Love you Elaine and hope you're having a happy December!
Marilyn…in Mississippi
A great post. My father has been gone for almost sixteen years. He was once a cold hard military man, nothing like your father. He did come to Jesus during his last decade and became a wonderful man of God. Cherish these moments you have with him and God bless you.
Glenda Parker
http://glendaparkerfictionwriter.blogspot.com
Beautiful post, sweet friend. I'm hoping to meet your dad (and your mom) the next time Bill and I make our way to your home.
Hugs…
Thanks for touching my heart.
wifeforthejourney:
What a joy to share life with your father! He is no pretender when it comes to his love for you, your mom, your sister, each of our children, me and even more. With Chuck, there is always room for more in his heart!
I rejoice today in this good reminder and celebration of your dad, because I cannot help but be reminded of Christ. I love being part of the Killian Family heritage, and an heir to the promise of our Lord!
Love you,
Billy
That video story of your father yelling after you as the car drove away is so potent. I just posted about my own dad recently (November 20th marked his 7th year in Heaven). The holidays bring that kind of reminiscing, I think. I'll never forget when my parents unloaded all my stuff to leave me here in Chicago, newly graduated, embarking on a new life as a school teacher. My dad never showed a lot of emotion, but I'll never forget his eyes filled with tears telling me he was proud of me and he loved me. I miss him so. Our father's told different kinds of stories, but cherished ones even so.
you came to my mind/heart today…sending prayers your way during this busy time of year
🙂
What lovely words you have written of your dad.
He does seem such a remarkable, special man. Reading this post brought tears to my eyes.
I remember watching the video you posted at the end… but I want to view it again when I have time later. At the moment I am at a starbucks coffee shop, and I didn't bring my earphones with me.
Thank you for sharing…
Love
Lidia
thanks so much for the book! it came today 🙂
eager to read it beginning the NEW YEAR
Precious, Elaine. What a wonderful dad you have. And what a legacy of love he has sown in your heart! It is a wonderful gift he has given you – his own full and unconditional love – and what an example he has been to point you to our Heavenly Father.
Daddy's arms – nothing like it.
It is wonderful to feel them on this earth – and to look forward to that first hug from God on the other shore!
GOD BLESS!
i had not seen that video. thank you for sharing your daddy with us. i just love him through your words. my father has also – through his love and actions – told me the story of Jesus over and over again.
I had to skip down here so I could hear that voice of yours that I love so much :). I get this too, you know. Someone recently told me, "You are much more joyful in person than I thought you would be." Well, that cracked me up and we were joy very loudly.
The letting go is so hard, Faith Elaine. I'm already worrying over it. If only my boys cleave to Him.
Your daddy is a very special man. Beautiful story.