Playing an active role

I decided to do more than one post in regards to my thoughts on Father's Day, as I had so many different thoughts and they took different directions. I was looking through lots of photos on my computer and I was pleasantly surprised to find how many pictures I have of Chip with our kids. Yesterday it was Chip and Teagan. Today it's Chip and Brock.
I heard a brief message on the radio on Sunday (Father's Day) and the announcer was saying that it's so meaningful for people to have their dad's be present on the important days of their lives- birthdays, holidays, graduations. As I paused to reflect on that statement, I realized, yes, it's true. But I couldn't help but think that to me, I believe it's even more important that a dad is present in the very ordinary, 'unimportant' days of their loved ones' lives.
I thought back on my own life, and while I was so fortunate to have a dad around in my life all the time, holidays or not, I think back on the times when I needed him most. Most times it wasn't on my birthday or when things were going really well. But instead, I needed him to be there when my car wouldn't start. Or when my world didn't make sense. I loved having him around when I wanted to learn how to start the mower and mow the grass, or when I baked a new recipe and I knew he would give me honest feedback on how it turned out. =) I think of the important days that my dad was there for me in life...and I am grateful and appreciative to have had him there and that he made me a priority.
But to me that's sort of 'easy' or expected at times. I think what really shows someone that you love and care is when you make yourself available to that person- no matter what's going on in life. I have been blessed by both a dad and husband, who have taken the role of fatherhood seriously, and have made a point in being 'present' in their kids' lives. I know that it's not something that everyone in this world has had...it seems more and more it is a gift to have a father figure in life- especially a dad who chooses to be available and serves as a model and leader in the home.
My dad would say that he wasn't perfect. He would tell you that he has grown and changed through the years. Chip would say the same thing. Often times he is hardest on himself and his 'qualifications' as a dad. But seeing these pictures of Chip with our kids, and knowing that he loves them and wants the best for them, and seeks to provide for them and offer them opportunities and encouragement, that is the heart of the matter as far as I'm concerned. I know that Brock "acts" different around Chip and that he looks up to him and respects him and wants to please him- and for that I am thankful. I know that Chip thinks the world of Brock, and is always looking for ways to push him, challenge him, have fun with him, and just show his love for him.
I paused for a few moments while I sat thinking in church on Sunday. I prayed for some of you and the hurts and challenges you have had or continue to have in life as a result of your dad not being who you would like him to be in life, or for not being present when you needed him most. I do take comfort though, knowing that there is a heavenly Father who has, is and always will be the perfect example of what a Father should be to others....and who also can fill the voids and heal the hurts of the pains caused by dads not living up to expectations and failing those around them in their life. Nobody is perfect, and people will always let others down. I realize just how fortunate my kids are to have Chip, how fortunate Chip was to have his Dad, and how grateful I continue to be for my own Dad in our lives. It's wonderful to have them around on the important occasions, yes. But more importantly, I love that they are there in the every day moments of life that shape us and define our characters in bigger ways than we can see.
So today I just want to say thanks, to my dad, and to Chip and to all the other dads out there who are taking their 'jobs' seriously and striving to be the best they can be for the ones they love most in this world. It is a gift that I don't say thank you for often enough...but one that I appreciate most sincerely in my life!