Daddy’s Hand: A Reflection for Father’s Day

I hope it’s OK for me to share a story with you about my father today. It is Father’s Day, after all, so I bet you expect it!One of my fondest memories of my daddy is when I was just a little girl. I was only five years old when I had to stay at the hospital for some medical testing. I was so excited the day I left not only because I was going home, but also because the nurse had promised me a special treat…

A wheelchair ride!

Now, it doesn’t get more exciting than this for a five year old. I couldn’t wait to get wheeled out of the hospital in style! My father was there to take me home, and as we walked down the hallway behind the nurse with my hand in his I was one giddy little girl. My wheelchair ride was just minutes away!

When the nurse told me that I would have to come with her I was confused, because this was not part of my plan. I thought I would be riding in the wheelchair with my daddy beside me. But no, she said I had to come with her and he would meet us out front with his truck. I was forced to make a decision. Was leaving my daddy worth the wheelchair ride? I felt his strong grip on my hand, and as much as I wanted the exciting experience of getting wheeled out of the hospital by the nurse, I chose to stay with him instead. I remember feeling safe with him holding my hand, and I didn’t want that feeling to end. 

Fast forward over thirty years later, and I still don’t want that feeling to end. My daddy has always made me feel safe and secure, and he’s always been there to support me. He’s my go-to person to call when I need important advice, and when my heart is broken, just one hug from him can bring me back to life. 

They say that our view of our earthly father will determine how we view our heavenly father. That could be good for some of us, but not so good for others. I know that my father has not been perfect because none of us are, but when I think of how hard he’s worked and how much he’s sacrificed for our family over the years, my heart is overwhelmed.  I am so blessed for the portrait of provision, security, love, forgiveness and self-sacrifice that my daddy has shown me to demonstrate all that God offers to me as well.

One day just doesn’t seem sufficient to celebrate all that my daddy has done for me, but I write this post today to remind him of how special he is to me, and of how deeply I love him. 

Daddy, this post is for you…I love you! Happy Father’s Day!