My Dad's the Greatest Dad

And my dad's the bravest dad. And my dad's the strongest dad. It's positively so!

Or something like that.

Did anyone else know that song when they were little?

I loved it.

So, this is sort of a different type of post, but since it's Father's Day, how could I not post about dads?

(I would have done the same on Mother's Day had I had a computer. We'll have to wait until next year for it, but I think moms are equally important in our quest for joy.)

I know not everyone has the best relationship with their dad. But hopefully, you have some sort of father figure in your life or know of a great dad who has influenced you for the better.

I am very blessed to have a wonderful dad. He's not perfect, but he tries really hard. I've seen him grow and change as a father over the years and I can honestly say that he's getting better at it all the time. That means more to me than if he were perfect from the day I was born because watching his effort makes me appreciate his love even more. If being a dad came easily to him, I wouldn't have the deep love I have for him.

My dad has brought joy to my life in so many ways.

He has always loved me. Even when I totalled my car and thought he'd be furious with me, he wasn't. And he still loved me. He loved me enough to tell me when he thought I was doing something I shouldn't. And he loved me when he told me he was proud of the good decisions I made.

He let me know that he thinks I'm beautiful. I think this is so important for all fathers to do. My dad would tell me that I looked beautiful, but he also would get this look in his eyes that just made me feel beautiful.

He loves my mom. From as far back as I can remember I knew that the fastest way to upset my dad was to say something bad to my mom. And so I didn't. He would never stand by and let someone hurt her. And I love the way he looks at her, too.

He gave me the gift of loving to run. Running (and all things fitness-related) is one of my greatest joys EVER. I know that probably makes me crazy, but I get it from my dad. And I will forever be grateful to him for loving it too. And for helping me train. And buying running shoes with me. And making it to every single race. And loving me whether I won or lost.

He taught me to love the outdoors. We used to go for hikes together every weekend. I miss that. Being outside while talking with him is one of my very favorite places to be.

He taught me to love learning. He is always learning. He's always in the middle of at least one book and about 40 magazine articles. And then he shares his vast knowledge with me. I love it. He always had the ability to turn every day objects and experiences into teaching moments. I never pick up a bottle of Italian dressing without thinking that it is a perfect example of colloidal suspension. And then I think of my dad and I smile.

He taught me to have faith in my Saviour. He has demonstrated this in so many ways and he has also sat with me and taught me from the scriptures about how to apply these things in my life. And how essential that is.

He taught me to have faith in myself. I've shared some pretty far-out dreams and goals with them and his response is always to support me and let me know that he believes me every step of the way.

In conjunction with that he taught me that if you're in his family, you don't ever quit. And that has seen me through some really tough times. Times when I've been sorely tempted to quit. But then I hear his voice in the back of my mind reminding me that we don't quit. So I press on and I finish. And I'm so glad I didn't quit. Because I'm that much better of a person for the thing I've gone through.

He taught me the joy of hard work. He can't sit still. He always has repairs and projects. He has made every house we've ever lived in so much more amazing and beautiful than when we first moved into it. I always want to tell the people who move in after us of all the things he's done to improve it and all the work he put into it. Just so they'll appreciate it.

He taught me humility. He is willing to accept when he needs to change. Or apologize. And that is a huge part of how he's grown so much. And growth, though painful at times, is necessary to abiding joy.

He gave me the example and advice I needed to find HH. I can't tell you how many times he asked when I was going to "stop dating scum". Few of the guys I dated really deserved that title. But he knew when they weren't right for me. From the first moment I told him about HH, he treated that relationship differently. Somehow he knew.

Funny thing is, he didn't meet HH until 8 days before our wedding. 8 days! I asked him about it once. He said it was really difficult, but he had faith in me and my decision making abilities.

He's such an amazing dad. It's really no wonder that I married the other most amazing man I know.

And watching HH grow into a fabulous father is a beautiful source of joy in my life. I am so blessed!

The squeals of delight when he walks in the door in the evening are a testament of the joy he brings to our home.

And my capacity for joy grew exponentially when HH and his love entered my life.

So, here's to all the men bringing joy to our lives!

Do you know any men like this? Do you have a man (men) who have added to your joy in life? Share!