Years ago I created a memory booklet to celebrate my dad on his birthday. Good thing I did. Over the intervening decades, some of those recollections would surely have been forgotten. And now the memories are more precious than ever.
(Dad and me 1964)
Their meaning, however, goes deeper than mere sentiment. Throughout my life, Dad has modeled the loving ways of my Heavenly Father.
For example:
Dad often took my brother and me to the community pool or on bike rides through the back streets near our home. We also accompanied Dad to the hardware store, the lumberyard—even the dump! When he asked us to tag along, we always said yes. It meant quality time with our hero.
How incredible to realize God Almighty desires our intimate company, too (2 Corinthians 6:16).
* * *
John and I had our own personal shoe fitter—Dad. He’d gently press on toes, instep, and heel, to ensure proper fit. Such attention to detail was his modus operandi. As a result, we could trust him. He always had our best interests at heart.
God also carefully attends to the details of our lives (Isaiah 40:11). For a number of months in 2013 we searched realty websites for a new house. Two weeks before the actual walk-throughs, a perfect brick ranch just happened to become available. Though we looked at other homes, this became his obvious choice for us—a true gift.
* * *
Dad started taking me to the library as a toddler. It was on his lap and my mother’s I learned to appreciate books.
My Heavenly Father guided me to appreciate his Book. Nowhere else have I found such wisdom, consolation, inspiration, and direction. David was right: The scriptures are more valuable than gold (Psalm 19:10).
* * *
One time I ran out of reading material while sick with a virus. Dad went to the library to remedy the situation. Because he knew me well, Dad could choose books he was reasonably confident I’d like. And sure enough, I read all four.
My Heavenly Father knows me more intimately yet and cares about my interests (Psalm 139:1-3). After I had taken up writing again, a woman at church just happened to invite me to her writers’ group. Not only did the members offer encouragement and challenge, they became delightful friends as well.
* * *
Dad and I were on an errand at Sears when we passed the bicycle display. Suddenly he asked, “If you’re willing to pay half out of your savings, what do you say we get you a new bike today?” My heart pounded so loudly at such a glorious surprise, I found it difficult to focus on the decision of red or blue. (Blue won.)
God in heaven blesses us in delightful, surprising ways as well (Matthew 7:7-11). One afternoon a member of our church (where my husband, Steve, was pastor) called to seek a recommendation on a car. Why me? he wondered. Steve thought perhaps she planned to purchase one for her grandson’s graduation. But no, it was for us.
* * *
When I was seven or eight, Dad taught me the card game, “21,” so I could practice addition and subtraction. (Math never was my friend.) Not only did he sacrifice his time to help me, he aimed to make the exercise pleasurable too.
My Heavenly Father has gently taught me life skills too (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Recently I came across Ephesians 5:4 about what should be coming out of my mouth instead of foolish talk. Paul encourages thanksgiving, because it is life changing. Positive thoughts become positive words that foster positive action. In addition, God knows a grateful heart is a joy-filled heart (Psalm 92:1-2, 4).
* * *
My father is ninety-three, and still a remarkable man of strength, wisdom, and faith. His godly influence greatly helped shape my life.
I wonder how different the world would be if all fathers followed the model of our Heavenly Father (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)? He lavishes such attentive, everlasting love on his children. My heart fills with awe and adoration at the wonder that I am his and he is mine.
(Art & photo credits: Nancy Ruegg (2), http://www.pinterest.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.slideshare.net; http://www.pinterest (2).
From the Inside Out 
Nancy, what a wonderful tribute to your Dad! and to your Heavenly Father also.l
Thank you, Joyce, for taking the time to comment. You are one person who can vouch for the truth of these statements about my dad!
Two blog posts from you in one week–what a treat, Nancy! You have such a treasure in the life of your dad–93, wow! This was a lovely post.
Thank you, Jody. Indeed, my dad is a treasure, and his legacy reaches far and wide through the many lives he’s touched through the years.
Nancy, this is a delightful tribute to both our Heavenly Father and your dad. I, too, was blessed with a caring and loving dad. We miss you and hope that you and Steve are well. Love to both.
Thank you, Ruth. So appreciate your faithfulness to read these posts and leave your loving comments. (Did you recognize yourself in this post? You were the one who invited me to your writers’ group!) Steve and I are well and enthusiastically receive your love-greetings. Now we send ours to you!
Yes, Nancy, I did recognize that you were referring to me and our writers’ group. We still miss you and I will remember them to you when we meet for lunch today. We have added some new very lovely additions to our group since you left, but Mary, Angie, Marie, Darlene and I have fond memories of you and we often mention you in conversation. We’re beginning to work on Birds 3. Thank you and Steve for your love-greetings.
what great memories and so glad you collected them into a book. I lost my dad when I was 16 so only have limited ones but oh, so good ones to cling to. Thanks for sharing this today!
I am so sorry you lost your dad when you were only 16. That had to be extra hard. Your God-inspired strength and positivity is evident when you say it’s so good to cling to the memories! God bless you on Sunday, Jean, as you especially contemplate those remembrances.
First of all, I love it when you share personal pictures like the one with your Dad and your home. This tribute to your Dad was so wonderful. I remember my Dad taking me with him in his truck to call on his clients. Isn’t the gift of memory a great thing? We can revisit the great blessings of our past; we can look back upon hard times and learn from them and use them to help others. (Your bicycle story was sweet!) So appreciate your last comment “God lavishes such attentive, everlasting love on his children. My heart fills with awe and adoration at the wonder: I am his and he is mine.” How very blessed we are to belong to Him!
You are so right, Cheri, the gift of memory is a GREAT thing! I’ve reached the age when I appreciate remembrances of the past very much. “I am his and he is mine” came to mind as I was finishing up this post–it’s from an old hymn. We are indeed blessed beyond comprehension to belong to our Heavenly Father!
Nancy, you are still the girl with the blue bike, eyes wide, taking in wonder
Well, of course, that blue bike is long gone, but the wonder is still there! Thank you, Laurie.
Hi Nancy,
I am really glad to be following your blog. This really ministered to me because even as a beliver we hit low points. I have been struggling with how to have a better relationship with my Dad and the Lord. This piece is a reminder how our fathers are involved in our lives. I had issues with how to have a healthy balance between talking about God to people and how to connect with the real world where people are, too. You know it’s not easy to overwhelm others by just talking about God and turning them off. How do we live out a Christ in a balance if it all? The stories of your Dad’s everyday acitions and how faith is naturally present spoke to my situation. The Lord bless your our words and your encouragement to others.
Thank you,
Gary
Thank you, Gary. So glad this post ministered to you, and I gratefully accept your prayer of blessing on this blog!
Nancy beautiful memories of your Dad
Thank you, Laura. He’s one in a million!