Father’s Day creates personal emotions that run the gamut from sadness to celebration, grief to gratitude.  However, I choose this day to once again tell my dad’s story and find comfort in what I had and continue to embrace instead of focusing on what I’ve lost and miss each day.
Dad was born into a family of eight brothers and sisters.   He was raised in Wytheville, Virginia.  His mother died when he was 16 years old so responsibility came to him at an early age.  The chores at home and the need to financially help the family by working at the local general store developed a strong work ethic in him.
As a young adult he began working at a company named Georgia Pacific and met his future wife in Cumberland, Kentucky.  Space will not allow me to tell all the fun stories of their dating and early years together, but I love hearing them over and over.
Growing up, Dad was away from the house usually three nights a week as a salesman for Georgia Pacific.  I still remember anticipating his phone call each evening, his arrival at home on Thursday nights and the occasional business trip I took with him during the summer. 
When Dad got saved he was in his mid-40’s.  He had always been an ethical man, but the Lord challenged him not to continue “business as usual” which, by this time, he had become fairly successful at.  Leaving Georgia Pacific and eventually going into business for himself  was not an easy move but one which proved to be the best.
I thank God for the gift of my dad and for all he invested into my life.  Thank you…
…For all the memories of childhood and providing for our family.
…For developing in me a sense of confidence and a work ethic necessary to succeed.
…For loving my mom and remaining faithful to her for over 54 years.
…For showing me the inward strengths of integrity, character, compassion and humility.
…For requiring of me a college education and providing for it financially.
…For loving my wife, Cindy, and your grandchildren, who adore you.
…For living out your faith in Jesus Christ with discipline and obedience.
…For 100 things space will not allow me to mention and 100 more I simply will never know.
…For allowing me the honor to serve as your pastor for twenty years.

…For making heaven feel more like home now that you are there.