The Explorer of Warmth

Today, while I was standing at the drive-thru window at work, I realized that staring at my parent's Explorer gives me a certain feeling. I know that sounds weird. But what I mean is that there is a distinct warmth I get from seeing this vehicle. There is nothing special about it, other than the fact that it gives me this feeling.

And me being me, I needed to understand WHY I got that feeling. I'm not a "oh, that? okay" kind of person. I'm a "Why? I don't understand, and I really need to" person. Makes life difficult sometimes. But I learn a lot that way.

I know it sounds like I was wasting time at work, but honestly, this all took about a minute. Maybe less. I realized that my parent's Explorer reminds me of my dad. Which is weird because my mom drives it more than my dad, but for some reason, it's Dad I think of.

The sight of my Explorer makes me feel safe, protected. It makes me feel comfortable and at home. It's a warm feeling.

As I was standing there, a smile was brought to my face. I love these little things in life. I never want to overlook them. The little things can be much more meaningful and important than the big things.

Happy Father's Day!

Today is Dad's Day. It's a glorious day for many reasons. Our eternal Father gave us beautiful weather, and He gave me an earthly father I can be proud to call "Daddy."

My daddy is always there for me. He's been a constant rock in my life. He is immovable, strong. I love being a part of his world. He's seen me through my difficult times and through my happy times. He puts up with my ridiculousness and supports me when I make good decisions. He also tells me when I'm being stupid and need to grow up. He's honest. And I really appreciate that.

I have been blessed with amazing parents; both of them are my biggest fans. But today is Father's Day, and my father is the best. I'm sorry to all those out there who don't have my dad for a dad. He's pretty amazing.

Thanks, Dad, for being my dad, for loving me when I talk your ear off, for taking me fishing and letting me shoot your guns, for being my rock. Luf ya, Dad.

For All Those Girls Whose Daddies Didn't Love Them the Way He Should've

Today is a Saturday. On any typical Saturday, I don't do much of anything until the afternoon. I get up and watch tv in my pj's till it's time to get ready for church.

But today was different. Today, I got up and drank my tea and read my Bible. Today I worshiped Jesus. Today I spent the morning with my daddy.

And not just with my spiritual Daddy, but my physical one as well.

It made a difference in how I looked at my day.

I have a great relationship with my dad. He's always loving and protecting. Yes, I fight with him sometimes, but that's because I'm his kid. Not like that justifies it, but you know what I mean.

It was interesting that when I came home after spending some really good time with my daddy, I sat down to see what was on tv and got sucked into Georgia Rule. Now I had heard of this movie, and I did want to see it, so I just continued to watch.

It was a pretty good movie; however, it was not one that I would watch in mixed company.

The movie is about three generations of women who all have issues. However the youngest takes it a step further when she admits that her step-father molested her when she was young.

Interesting. I just spent a wonderful, glorious morning with my father who loves and protects me at all costs, and I watch a movie that reminds me that not all little girls have the same relationship. It just about broke my heart.

How can I help?

That's one of the reasons I want to be a teacher, so I can help. I want girls to know that even if their daddies are not loving them the way he should, they can find the love of a father in Jesus. And yes, I want to work in a public school, so I may not be able to explicitly say that, but I want to be able to live my life in such a way that they question. I want to be a witness.

I want to know that forgiveness is real and the love of a father is there for them.

So to all of those girls whose daddies are amazing and love them beyond measure, call him up and tell him how much you appreciate him and what he does for you.

And to all those girls whose daddies did unimaginable things to them, there is a way to find a Father-like love. Jesus can heal that wounded part of you. He can fill that hole and give you hope for a better and brighter future. He is better than any earthly man. Just ask Him. He'll tell you in ways that you probably wouldn't expect. Watch for His love to pour out upon you because He will pour it.

If you grew up with a daddy who didn't love you the way a daddy should, if he neglected you or molested you or beat you, just know that there is help in a holy God who will love you better than any father, good or bad, could here on earth.