My Dad is an amazing man. He has always worked incredibly hard to provide for our family, even when doing so meant being apart from us for weeks and months at a time. He has a strong work ethic, he is a loyal friend, he is a natural leader, he is a devoted husband. He is the kind of man who drives his Harley and climbs mountains and hangs out of helicopters for fun but has the sensitivity of heart to raise two girls. He took those girls to climb mountains, but he wasn't afraid to hug us and love us and take time to really listen.
I wish that I could have been there for my Dad's retirement ceremony today, but if there is anything that my Dad has taught me it is that following God requires sacrifice. My Dad was an officer, but he was first and foremost a lover and follower of God. The decisions that he has made in his life, in his career, all come from the relationship he has with the Lord and a desire to glorify Him and serve Him with his life. Those decisions often required sacrifice.
I have to come to understand that one of the areas in my life where God requires sacrifice is in family. Ever since my Dad joined the Navy twenty-one years ago we have lived away from our family. I remember Christmases when it was just my Mom, Dad, Katie and I. I remember birthdays and other holidays when my grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins would all be together but we could not be there. I have envied people their relationships with their families. To be able to run up the street for dinner with your sister or call your Mom when you weren't feeling well and needed help with your children or just stop by for a chat with your grandmother. I don't know what that is like, but I imagine it is wonderful.
I know, however, that my family has always been and continues to be where God has called us. As a child I trusted in the leadership of my father. As a wife, I trust in the leadership of my husband. We serve God where He calls us, and He has called us away. When I trust in that, I can trust that whatever I have sacrificed - including family - is nothing compared to what God has planned. And He is faithful to us, even as we sacrifice. He gives us good things. What time I have with my family is always precious and sweet. It is something special, something we celebrate. And God has blessed us with friends that are like family, brothers and sisters in Christ who stand in the gap for us. Who have us in their homes on the holidays and come when we are sick and need help with our children and just do life together with us.
Today I am especially grateful for some of those friends. Not for me, but for my Dad. I couldn't be there for him today and he understood that probably better than anyone. But counted among the list of people who were at his ceremony today, alongside my Mom and sister and grandparents and other family members, were the friends who have become family. They were there and I am so grateful.
So tonight this post is for you, Dad. I am so proud to be your daughter. I am proud of the career you have led, and I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for this next chapter of life for you and Mom. I love you.
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