It’s a happy Father’s Day weekend at our house because the best dad lives here. Oh, wait, he lives at your house too? That’s weird. You can have one too, I guess, but you can’t have ours. I believe that God created this amazing man to be the father of my children. Since he is created to do this and has totally embraced this role he is, in fact, the best at it. The best dad, or “baller dad” as he likes to refer to himself as, for us.
The Dad at our house wakes up early in the morning and works tirelessly (well, actually, that’s probably not the word because sometimes he’s really tired) to provide for us. He works week days and he works weekends. When he gets home from work the first thing he does is find his girl Abigail wherever she is, and gives her a big hug that only he can give. Oftentimes they immediately go into their own unique game of hide-n-seek where he hides behind random objects and she squeals, “Daddy!” followed by lots of giggles. The laugh that he produces from her is not one that can be replicated, but it’s actual music to my ears. Just yesterday, when he got home she took her little hands to his face and said, “Daddy, I’m so glad you’re here.” He looked at me with a puzzled look and a smile saying, “Have you ever heard her say that?” They absolutely adore each other. I knew that they would, but to see it lived out day after day brings tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat because I am so very grateful that the best dad for Abigail lives at my house.
Before we had children I was a bit worried that our easy rhythm at home would change. I was afraid we wouldn’t have enough time together and that our friendship wouldn’t be as strong. I was concerned that he would work too much and wouldn’t be able to bond with our kids due to lack of time. But the best dad that lives at our house works to make our dreams come true and uses every spare second to bond with his family. We laugh that hobbies are a thing of a past. That sounds a bit tragic, but it’s not because what the best dad has chosen to give his time to is loving and serving his family. Those moments are worth so much more than any hobby. I am so glad he knows and has chosen this on his own. He, the leader of our house, has maintained the simple (because it’s not easy) rhythm with his love and the sacrifices that he makes for us. I love him all the more now.
Over the past year the best dad and I have had to learn to dance through joy and grief together. Of course, this was another thing that I worried about. But he has once again led with so much strength and has given me so much grace. He has had to pick up a lot of slack for things that I normally do but recently haven’t been able to. Never once does he grumble or complain, or even act like things are not how they ought to be. His servant leadership has been such an inspiration to me.
I really could go on and on about him. But I just simply want to say, thank you, to our best dad and to all the other men that have stepped up when chosen to be the best dad in their homes too. It doesn’t take an extraordinary man to be a dad, but He takes an extraordinary leader and makes them the best dad.
The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. Proverbs 20:7
