Favorite Fathers
Grandfathers, father figures, fathers-in-law, fathers of our church family, fathers of our children, fathers of our bodies and the Father of our spirit … they are all teaching us about the role of fatherhood – whether they teach consciously or not.
“Every day you are teaching … what it means to be a father. You are laying a foundation for the next generation,” said Larry M. Gibson in this talk entitled, “Fatherhood – Our Eternal Destiny.”
I have amazing fathers in my life …
and here are just a few lessons I’m learning from three particularly cherished fathers:
- The father of my children. Alex teaches me to trust in God when the going gets tough. He thinks logically but spiritually, and to his core he believes that “it will all work out.” When he buries me in his arms and just holds me there, he brings such comfort and peace. It’s like he can squeeze the scare and stress right out of me … if only he could carry me around all day, every day. Ha! He also teaches me about having fun. I get wrapped up in the “to do” lists and the dirty house and the worries; while he focuses on finding joy in the journey. He’s the adult who starts water fights, and the first adult jumping into the river … Whatever he’s doing, he makes it look fun. Somehow he even got me across a freezing cold river last weekend! He encourages with words and sets the example with actions; and I’m deeply thankful he’s my eternal companion.
- The father of my body. My dad is incredibly strong. He has strong standards, a strong heart and soul, and a strong body and mind. His body has been fighting cancer for 11 years. ELEVEN YEARS! The battle has strengthened his spirit and softened him too. He’s tender and empathetic, and he is close to the Lord. As “daddy’s little girl,” he has a special authority when he speaks. As a child, I could burst into tears with just a disapproving glance from him – and I’m still crying over him today (but in a different way). And because he only says what he truly feels and he doesn’t say too much, I hang on his every word. I’ve always admired how much he sacrifices for his family – always has, and always will. He puts family first, and would drop anything or do anything to help. I’m also appreciative that now he lets me help him on occasion, even though it’s just in little things, like going with him to a doctor’s appointment … nothing compares to his fathering of me all my life! And I’m so thankful our family has been sealed in the temple, so I know we can be together forever!
- The Father of my spirit. I know we have a Father in heaven … our Heavenly Father. He created our spirits, and sent us to earth with a personalized plan … a way for us to gain experience and physical bodies … a way for us to be tried and tested … a way for us to progress … and a way back to Him. Christ is the way. As our Father, Heavenly Father knows us individually. He loves us. He knows our strengths and weaknesses, and He knows the very details of our daily life. He can be trusted, and we can turn to Him for guidance. I am so thankful He listens to my prayers! He showers me with tender mercies. He sends me tools to guide me back to Him. He surrounds me with people and spirits who inspire and lift up. He has given me so much … He has given me a Savior. He sacrificed His own Son … it’s … indescribable. … and He still loves me, even though I consistently mess up. He is the Father of all fathers.
These fathers – and all fathers – teach us how to live and who we want to become. Indeed, Fatherhood brings such meaning to these scriptures:
“The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for [whatsoever things He] doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise” (John 5:19).
“I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me” (John 8:28).
With that in mind, please share a lesson that a father in your life has taught you!
