From the Helm – Wednesday, March 10, 2010

I’ve had the honor of knowing the man for 50 years.  Throughout them all, I’ve seen no variation; no shifting; no contradiction; no compromise in the things of character.

His presence always awed and humbled me.  His way with people was a source of childish envy.  His presence in any given situation brought about a peace and security difficult to describe.  His lack of favoritism among the peoples he encountered, a quality baffling to me until recent years.

I’ve watched as he’s comforted the dying and those around them.  I’ve watched as children scuffled for a place on his lap anytime he would sit to rest.  I’ve seen him break bread and share a cup with a leaper whom the world had cast aside.  I’ve countless times watched as he sat quietly with the Word at all hours of the day and night.

I’ve seen him care for the woman God gave him in a ways so pure and intense they escapes description.  I’ve seen him experience difficulty and grief with strength and assurance.  I’ve watched as he’s left his family behind for great spans of time on behalf of those with no family at all.  As a child, I sometimes thought maybe he just “wanted” to go.  Today I know, from my own hearts bidding, he had to go…

He has and continues to be the example of “following only as God leads” few others of this world will ever achieve.  He’s the living example of a heart given to every place and people he’s ever experienced yet still complete and at peace within his own being.  He’s an awesome man.  A true man of God - the pinnacle of service and humility toward his Creator and all He created…

He’s taught me by the simple living of his life before me.  His patience and tolerance are an inspiration for me.  The essence and purity of his love radiates effortlessly from his very being.  What I know of human expression, I own to Him.  I am grateful to God for the days He’s granted me with this man.  I’m grateful for the close proximity He’s allowed us.  I’m grateful, too, my own children also have access to a man, both timeless and irreplaceable…

I love this man who not only gave me life but showed me how to live it as well…

Happy Birthday, Dad.  I love you with all my heart…