The Best Example by Robin Densmore Fuson

 

Honest, kind, generous, compassionate, with integrity—sums up my earthly father. Somewhere in my collection of photos is one where my dad is reading the Bible to an infant cradled in his arms. I’m that infant.

I don’t remember that incident but I remember all the years of consistent Bible reading and church attendance. I am blessed with a godly heritage from both my parents. They showed me the way a Christian should act and how to navigate this world. My father explained to me how to trust Jesus as my Savior and have a personal relationship with Him.

My dad taught me how to throw and catch a ball and ride a bike. I was his helper when he fixed the car or built something. He took me on his motorcycle into the mountains for day trips.

I have memories of jumping waves at the beach and getting sunburned—of eating contests and beating him. I think he let me win many games and contests. We sang together—both of us anchors of melody in a family quartet, sometimes he would split off to a lower part when the song called for more harmony. I taught children and a few times, he helped me act out a biblical story. One time he took on the persona of the larger-than-life Goliath to my David. On other occasions, he sat on the floor with preschoolers as he read to them, holding their attention.

He gently and patiently helped me with algebra and geometry so I could graduate. I got into trouble as a young teen and he disciplined me the way a father should, with love out of a firm hand.

I remember when I broke his heart but also when his heart swelled with pride over one of my accomplishments.

Through heartache and triumphs, my dad was a steady rock to which I knew I could cling. Kind and patient, he encouraged and supported. He is always there in the background, firmly planted in the Lord and the Word of God.

He is an amazing grandpa and great-grandpa. He taught my children to shoot hoops, took them bowling, and spent hours playing monopoly with them. When I needed the perfect teacher for my daughter to learn how to drive a standard transmission, I called my patient father.

I love my daddy. He is an example of what my heavenly Father is. Statistics say that every person pictures the Heavenly Father in the way their earthly father acted—good or bad. I’m so blessed to have my dad as a representation of who God is.

Dad loves Mom. Our heavenly Father loves the Church, which is the Bride of Christ. 

We are approaching Father’s Day and I wanted to give a huge shout-out to my daddy. Happy Father’s Day, Dad!

Larry Fishel, you are the best dad a girl could ever wish for. Thank you for being the man God called you to be.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6 kjv)