Dear DaddyO (Happy Father's Day)

Dear DaddyO, 

This letter is for your encouragement. Let the truth set in, and let the lies fall away. 

You were chosen to be a father of eleven kids, not a small task. You make it look natural and easy even now, and for that, I must applaud you. 

I know you are human, your mistakes and flaws are as visible as they ever will be, but your humility is also present. 

Through sunny days and working outside when you could be napping on your chair, or the rainy storms and you’ll always be willing to drive out and help one of your children whose car is broken down on the side of the road. 

I have story after story I could share of the different times you’ve laid down your pride and your time for me. 

You’ve repeated instructions over and over until I understood clearly the simplest of tasks. You’ve given me grace and forgiveness when I would never deserve it. 

You’ve embraced me when I’ve made the gravest mistakes and taken on tremendous heartache. 

You’ve urged me to keep walking when dark seasons and the enemy have knocked me off my feet. 

You’ve given me wisdom even when I’ve disregarded it, and you’ve given it to me again when I’m ready to listen. 

You’ve made me laugh so hard with your sense of humor, and I do believe I’ve picked it up as well. 

You’ve taught me so many skills and life lessons in each interaction with you, you’ve never turned down an opportunity to teach. 

You’ve done so much, my list could grow by the minute. But I can’t take the glory away from Our Father who has been working in you since I opened my eyes for the first time. 

God has given you each breath, each word of wisdom, and each ‘smart alec-y’ quip. Everything you’ve given me is all because of what He’s given you first. 

You’ve learned how imperative it is to bring everything back to Him. It’s all connected somehow. 

You point to God. You can’t help it. It’s naturally woven into your character now thanks to The Gospel and the Holy Spirit’s power. 

I see God’s love, grace, forgiveness, mercy, justice, and joy in you. I cannot ignore it. It’s ever so obvious how intentional you are with the people around you, your life is your mission field. You love and serve others on a level that I cannot pretend to understand. Sacrificing yourself and the gifts that God has given you really spurs me on. 

You’ve not always been the best Father. I used to think you were perfect, you couldn’t make a mistake. But then you taught me about grace and mercy, and how you needed just as much as anyone else.

I’ve seen you fall and fail in drastic ways. 

I’ve seen you ask for forgiveness and grace, and show extreme signs of humility. 

I’ve seen you love all my siblings so well in every area they show interest in. 

I’ve seen you handcraft gifts with such care, the look in your eyes when it's opened is so heartwarming. 

I’ve seen you do so much, and rest so little. 

I’ve seen you pray with a desperation that I long to understand. 

I’ve seen you pick apart scripture that makes me so intrigued by the mysteries I have yet to find. 

I’ve wanted to be a father for as long as I can remember. I watched you growing up and I wanted the ability to teach, lead, and serve my own wife and family one day. 

It hasn’t happened yet, but I assure you if you’re still alive and kicking we’re gonna have a lot of conversations about how I can be a loving, serving, intentional, and leading father just like you were to me. 

If I can become a fraction of the man that God has shaped you to be I would be thrilled. 

I love it when people say “You’re just like your Dad.” 

I always nod my head and smile. “He’s pretty amazing.”

You’re amazing because God dwells within you and propels you to be.

One last thing. “Guess what?”

“I love you.”

Until next time DaddyO, 

Sincerely Your Favorite Oldest Son,

-Mitchell