Fathers....

Always the thinker....

As we all know it was Father's Day on Sunday and this may seem like I'm a bit slow on the uptake but honestly this is the first spare minute that I have had all week t write this down!

As it turns out this was the first Father's Day that I truly realised the value of my father!! I'm guessing it's because we are now living so far apart and it's been so long since I've seen him, but on Sunday night, I was a mess!!

It all started when I attended the Willow's Presbyterian Church, Father's Day BBQ, mainly to help out with cutting and stuff. Standing there the reality and the meaning of the day started sinking in. When church started it got worse, the minister started the service with what he called a "guilt trip" to all fathers. He proceeded to play a song and then tell a story about a father who, wanting to provide his family with the best things in life, worked instead of spending time with his family and eventually lost the only thing that was of any worth to him, his family.

I couldn't help but recall the speech that my dad made on his last Sunday in Townsville. He spoke about how being a minister affected his family and how our family structure was slightly different. He recalled not being able to spend Saturday nights with his family and apologised for the times that he was away or at meetings or stuck behind the computer for hours. I remember thinking that there was never any need to apologise as Dad ALWAYS made time for his family and always had an active input into the lives of his children.

With the love of his life

My father always took his God-given role of parent and guardian very seriously and made every effort to raise us in a way that gave God honour and glory. He stressed the importance of family on us all by always making a time during the day to spend with us. Dinner time was family time and there are only a few times that we DIDN'T have dinner together. Even when all my siblings had moved out of home and mum was working dad and I still sat at the table and ate dinner together. When we were all home on a Saturday or holiday afternoon we would have lunch together and Sunday afternoon was reserved for watching Land-Line together and enjoying a roast lunch. Dad always chose to have his office in the house instead of working at the church offices which meant that on most week days Dad was home when we got there. So many times I recall working in the same office as him, him preparing a Bible study and me doing school work and he would always take a few moments to help me proof read and edit an assignment.

Then there were the times that we worked on the garden together, washed the cars together, critiqued adds on TV together, played the piano and sang together, or sitting in complete silence in the car for hours on end.

No Dad, there was definitely no need to apologise because you were the best earthly father that anyone can ever dream to have. not only were you a major part of my life growing up, but you continue to be a big part of my life. You encourage me to be a better person and to continue to grow as a Christian and in my knowledge of and relationship with my Heavenly Father. Through your guidance and teaching I came to know the Jesus as my Lord and Saviour, because of your example I know what it takes to be a good parent and thanks to you, the man who I marry is going to have some pretty big shoes to fill because you also showed me what a good and godly husband is like!

Rudi and Rudi Jnr

Sitting in church on Sunday my tears flowed freely and all I wanted to do was run to you and tell you all of this. I was so thankful for the abundant blessing that God lavished on me through you and my heart nearly burst with the joy that this knowledge brought me. I suddenly missed you so very much but was comforted in knowing that I will be able to see you soon (only 2 weeks to go!!!).

I love you so much Dad and I can't wait until I am able to see you again and spend some more quality time around the piano, or the BBQ, or the garden, or the car! Thank you for taking parenting so seriously, for being such a great example and loving me completely and unconditionally! You truly are the best!