Father's Day

My earthly father went to join my Heavenly Father in 1992. I was only 10 years old but I remember that day as if it were yesterday. Oh how I missed that man! I did find some comfort however when distant family or other people who knew Daddy would say, "Oh! You must be Ray's little girl!" I would beam with pride and only nod... You see, I was very shy back then. Then they would sometimes say, "She's got her father's eyes!" and how my heart would swell! Being reminded that I looked so much like Daddy almost made the pain bearable.

Now, nearly 19 years later, as I gaze into my sweet girl's eyes, I think so often, "She's got my Daddy's eyes..." and tears spring forth at the thought. She looks so much like him (and me!) that it's a blessing just to gaze at her sometimes. I miss him so much.

I wanted so badly for Daddy to give me away to the husband God had chosen for me. And I just know that he and Daniel would be hunting and fishing buddies. I know that Blakley would have Pawpaw Ray wrapped around her tiniest finger. I miss his huge bearhugs and those games of catch.

As proud as I was to know that I shared the looks and coloring of my earthly Daddy, I want to be known for more than that. I want people to see Jesus in me, even more than I ever wanted them to see Ray Hemphill in me. And that's a whole lot! I want others to look back on my life and say,

She had her father's eyes, her father's eyes

eyes that found the good in things when good was not around

eyes that found the source of help when help would not be found

Eyes full of compassion, seein' every pain

Knowin' what you're goin' through and feelin it the same

Borrowed from the chorus of "Father's Eyes" by Amy Grant

I'm very thankful to my husband's father for setting a godly example for my husband so that he may be a godly example for my son. And I'm very thankful for the other godly men in my life who walk the walk daily. Thank you, Lord, for creating the hearts of Daddies everywhere.