A Tribute to my Dad

So often I’ll meet someone and they’ll put me in mind of another person I already know.  Years ago when I watched Anne of Green Gables for the first time and saw the personality of Matthew Cuthbert, I was put in mind of a very special person –  my dad. Remember how Matthew is always doing things for Anne secretly?  He is a soft-spoken man and when he does have something to say, he chooses his words carefully.  He has a tender heart and is so kind.  He always puts others before himself.  All those traits are what remind me of my dad…he’s just like that.  Let me describe him for you…

My dad is a hard worker.  Every week day my dad went to work and came home to his family every evening.  On Saturdays he would work in the yard or on jobs around the house.  He always had time to play with us girls whether it was baseball,  tennis, sledding or ice skating.  On Sundays our family went to Sunday school and church.  Often after dinner we would head out for a “Sunday afternoon drive.” Dad would become the hero when he pulled into our favorite frozen custard stand or the cider mill where we got hot donuts and fresh apple cider.  Sunday night we were back at church for the evening service.  My dad served faithfully over the years as the treasurer and/or deacon.  Christianity wasn’t a “put-on”, “take-off” kind of thing – this was a genuine relationship that my dad had with the Lord.  I saw him walk the walk before me every day of my life.  He loves my mother with tenderness and sweetness and his girls received the same kind of affection. 

When he has been in the hospital he is always more concerned about those that are there visiting him and their needs that about his own.  He doesn’t want to be a bother or cause a hardship on his family.  He has always encouraged me to go for whatever goal I have had, offering encouragement and praise.  He has a tender heart about things of the Lord.  He loves good music that exalts the Lord.  He loves to have a good time, often laughing till tears stream down his cheeks.  He has an ornery streak in him that enjoys a good practical joke.  Everyone loves my dad – to all my cousins he’s their favorite uncle.  Little babies and children adore him because of his sweet nature.

Concerning his quiet nature, he opened his Bible a few years ago, pointed to a passage of Scripture and said, “This is why I don’t talk a lot.”  The passage was Proverbs 17:27, 28 – He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.  Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.  Yes, he’s a wise man.

Poor little Anne Shirley wouldn’t have had much of a life without Matthew Cuthbert’s influence.  I understand.  I can’t imagine my life without “my Matthew” – my dad.  What a wonderful blessing and gift from the Lord he is. 

Recently I’d just done a little something for my husband and he looked at me and said, “You’re just like your dad.”  “Thanks” I said, accepting the sweet compliment handed me.  If I turn out like my dad, think of how many lives I will have blessed.

I love you, Dad!