Tomorrow is Flag Day and Sunday is Father’s Day, two special days on our calendars. We pause tomorrow to thank God for everything “Old Glory” stands for; we proudly sing our National Anthem and without apology pledge allegiance to our nation’s emblem of liberty and justice for all!
Then, Father’s Day. Fourteen years ago, one of our junior boys at church received special recognition for a tribute to his father and family. I am sharing that tribute in honor of his father, a deacon in our church, knowing that it will be a blessing still to many:
“Most people think that nature and pictures are beautiful, but I think that family is beautiful. I think that family is beautiful because of what happened to my dad this year.
The story begins on a night that was going great! Everything was in order like it should have been. That is, until my dad started shaking intensely, and my mother didn’t know what to do. So, she decided to call 911. I wasn’t awake then, so didn’t know anything was going on. When I was awake the next morning, I saw my aunt. I didn’t even wake up the whole time my dad was sick! My aunt told me my dad had a seizure because there was a tumor in his brain. At first, I thought she was joking! I had no idea. My aunt then took me over to her house.
When my dad was first sick, more than 20 people were there. It was beautiful that they were so caring and friendly. I didn’t get bored, because my baby cousin was there. I just wanted to see my dad! One person was so caring that he was staying nearly the whole time my dad was sick. At the end of the time that I was at my aunt’s house, I got to go and see my dad! The first question he asked me was, ‘What score did you make on your benchmarks?’ I told him, ‘I got 100% on my benchmarks!’ It was so beautiful that dad cared about my grades when he was so sick.
Another reason I think beauty is family is that a man from our church named Dr.__ was there with my dad. He was there…because he was concerned about my dad’s health. He was a big help and comfort to our family. Additionally, quite a few family members and church family brought meals and sent cards to my dad and to our family. That was a beautiful thing. My dad is doing much better now, and it’s a beautiful thing that he is okay. What would we have done without our beautiful family? This is why I think family is beautiful.” (Landon Peck)
Landon’s father is still doing well, for which we all thank our heavenly Father! It was my privilege to officiate the wedding of Landon’s mother and father when they were married, fairly early on in my pastorate at Thompson Road Baptist Church. They continue to serve God faithfully in various ministries through our church.
Yes, Landon, family is beautiful. It is our prayer and heartfelt hope that on Father’s Day we will all pause to thank God for family and for fathers that have contributed to the beauty in our lives. Beauty that cannot be painted on canvass or depicted adequately with words. Beauty in the heart that will never fade with the passing of time. Thank you, heavenly Father, for the beauty of family!
“His hands have worked in sweat and toil; in shops, in pits and in the soil; He’s suffered cold and heat and pain, but never once did he complain. He’s been a doctor, seer and guide, in whom we freely could confide. He’s got a loving heart of gold—the half has never yet been told! We honor you today—dear Dad; you’ve always made us proud and glad. We celebrate your life this day, and for your joy we all do pray. Happy Father’s Day, Dads!” (ALS, “A Tribute to Dads”)
YOU and GOD 