small steps

small steps

Friday, June 14, 2013

Al & Steph

As Father's Day approaches this weekend, I've been thinking a lot about my Dad and why I'm thankful for him...here's a little shout out to my loved, Big Al! I'm thankful for these sweet life lessons he has etched into me.

 Free throws win basketball games.

 Every swing of the golf club that I have ever taken I hear my Dad's voice saying, "Head down...low & slow."

My Dad is a man of example. I've watched his actions in many ways--from sitting down every Sunday morning to write his tithe to his church, to honoring every commitment he makes from taking the Boy Scouts camping, to coaching elementary school kids basketball, to attending meeting after meeting at church.

I love everything about my Dad's voice & laugh. From hearing his reading of the Night Before Christmas to us every year on December 24, to the sound of him telling a story to hearing him sing a hymn at church.

He is stubborn & I am my father's daughter.

My Dad's willingness to be a leader whether through his job or in our church has also had a lasting impact on me.

From Hillsdale to Ocean Springs to Indianapolis, my Dad always finds a way to make a trip where it's just me & him. Those father/daughter days are some of my very favorite.

Something I can always count on hearing from him with every visit, "How's your car running?" And deep down I'm thankful he asks...every time.

One of the first basketball teams my Dad ever coached, we were in a bonus foul free throw situation and of all the girls on the team to shoot the extra free throws my Dad picked me. That moment has stayed with me ever since, I'll never forget the sparkle in the eye and the overwhelming love I felt that even though he was always a fair coach...in that moment my Dad picked me. I've often thought what an amazing example that was of how my earthly Father was reminding me that my Heavenly Father has chosen me, again and again. And...I made those extra free throws.

Happy Fathers Day, Dad! I love you!!