Father's Day!

     

     My Daddy and I don't always see eye-to-eye. In fact, the occasions are rare when we do. I think it's likely because we have many similar personality traits...some good, some not-so-good. Despite that, I'm grateful that I get to call him "Daddy" because without him, I wouldn't be the woman I am today. He too has taught me many important life-lessons which I will cherish eternally; a few of which I will share with you here:

1. Early to bed, early to rise. My daddy has always been a hard worker. Sun-up to Sun-down. Never quit. NO matter what (injury, illness, and exhaustion are no excuse. Nowadays neither is old age).
2. Tithe regularly and give generously. You can't out-give God.
3. If you want answers, go find them. But make sure you're looking in the Bible...the only true source of wisdom.
4. Give nothing unless it costs you something. Self-sacrifice is an important gift to give.
5. Look for those in need...help them any way you can. Eventually, they will look for you and toward God.
6. You can't take money with you...so put it to good use.
7. Don't be quick to accept answers and opinions. Investigate for yourself, line-it up with the word of God, and then defend it.
8. Take your children to church.
9. Family is important...stay close to them. They are your strongest supporters.
10. Pray for your children, out loud, where they can hear year. Nothing is more powerful than the prayers of a father.

      There are many other lessons that Daddy has taught me over the years, these are just my favorite ones. The thing I am most grateful for, is that my Daddy helped to mold and shape the man of my dreams; the one whom my children will call "daddy".

      This is Kevin's first official Father's Day! He's probably not as excited about it as I am though. The fact is, I am grateful to three special men for helping to shape the man of my dreams into the perfect father for my children: Kevin's Daddy (Jeff), Kevin's Papa (Mr. Hudson), and my Daddy. Each of these men has sown little seeds of wisdom into Kevin's life. Each of them have impacted Kevin in different ways, shaping him into the man I love.

1. Kevin's Daddy: Mr. Jeff has always been a quiet observer. He's non-confrontational; a peacemaker. He's also not a man afraid to express his feelings. Kevin inherited these qualities from him. I remember when we dated, Kevin would get in silly arguments with me or with his sisters. It wasn't uncommon for Kevin to find notes in his car from his dad gently reminding him that he was out of line. Mr. Jeff would always make sure that first and foremost Kevin knew how much he was loved. How very Jesus-like is that?! I'm so grateful to the loving and selfless example of love Kevin had in his father!


Kevin's Papa: Mr. Hudson was my next door neighbor. I got to see him interact with Kevin pretty much my entire life. Mr. Hudson has always been happy and energetic in all that he endeavors. Kevin is like that: happy and EN-ER-GET-IC!!! I love that about him! Mr. Hudson puts all of that happiness and energy into anything he attempts. That includes work as well as loving his family and his wife. If you were to be able to witness the relationship between Kevin's papa and nanny, you probably would think they were paid actors on the set of some movie, because their love is THAT unbelievable. They still behave like high-school sweethearts...and they've been married for over 50 years!!! I hope and pray Kevin and I will have a love like theirs.


My Daddy: Kevin and I were blessed to be able to grow up together. With that, comes the obvious possibility that we will learn lessons from each others families. Kevin was my brother's best friend...from birth, so he was at my house A LOT. At a young age, he began working with my brother in Dad's construction company. Kevin learned many skills, and many important work ethics there. He got to see how to run a business, interact with customers, and become quite the craftsman. Kevin and I are both grateful to my Daddy for all the wisdom he has imparted to us collectively and separately.


    The beautiful thing about these three men is that together, with Jesus shining bright inside of them, they have created a perfect husband and father: John Kevin Boatwright. They all have helped to mold a generous, selfless, energetic, hilarious, strong, hard-working, peace-making, man of God that I am so excited and proud to call the father of my children!!!

Happy Father's Day to all four of you! I love you DEARLY!!!!