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(C) 2022, Allen Pearson Photography |
Today being Father's Day brings back many memories of my father. He was a great man. Though I have to admit he didn't excel in greatness as society would describe.
My father was a godly man who made Christ, the teachings of the Bible, and the church the focus of our family. He didn't work a job that would interfere with attending church, church work, or his family. Work had its place. He worked full-time and didn't have a lot of time during the week to do every single activity with us that he would like, he did his best to take my brother and me on many outings.
We went to car shows, steam engine-led train rides, the zoo, the Christmas parades, and nearly, if not all, of the historical monuments or landmarks and museums (no, you can not get through any Smithsonian museum in one day) in Washington D.C. and where we grew up. I used to think that I knew all any young boy should know about American history in our area. Though, as I kid, I may not have enjoyed all that, now they are great memories.
A very special memory of mine is the many years that Dad took us to Virginia Nazarene Campmeeting for Family Week. It was a week of revival-type evening worship services with special singers and evangelists. He would pitch a good-size tent where we slept all week. He grilled a few meals on a portable stove. I made several friends during the week while hearing some of the best music and sermons.
I look back on this Father's Day thinking that my father was an example of what my Heavenly Father, God, is like. Dad always wanted the best for us, he wanted us to be Christians following God, Worship God, do the work of the church, and help others along the way. I dare say, that Dad would lay his life down for his sons so they would spend eternity in heaven much as God did so we would have eternal life. My earthly father loved us that much.
My heavenly Father did just that. He loves us so much He wants you to spend eternity in heaven. He doesn't force you to follow Him but tries to guide you along life's way to decide where you want to spend eternity after death. Your choice,
heaven or hell?
Happy Father's Day to those who are fathers or spend any role with a child/youth as a father. When you see your father, give him a hug and spend some time with him. I would love to spend Father's Day with my father but he decided to go to heaven with Jesus seven years ago.