Thankfulness on Father's Day

I'm grateful today because I have an incredible Dad who protected, loved, and nurtured me as I grew and still loves and supports me in so many ways today.

I'm grateful today because I have a wonderful father-in-law who has sacrificially loved his sons and carefully guided my husband to the man he is today.

I'm grateful today because I have a heavenly Father who lavishes His love on me when I have nothing to offer that He hasn't already abundantly given.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1

I'm particularly grateful today because I'm married to this man:

Wow, he's been my champion 10 times over these past couple weeks! I don't know that we would have survived without him, seriously. He's given himself over and over again. He has completely stepped in to take care of all things at home - cooking, cleaning, taking care of Ellie & Meg, on and on... 

He is also a miracle worker when it comes to getting Samantha to sleep; I'm going to start calling him the Pied Piper. Oh, and he's had to still go to class and try to fit in his studies where he can! And can I just say he looks good doing it all? He's the best looking sleep-deprived seminarian I've ever laid eyes on! I mean, I'm living with Superman over here...

... or Flash...

He's not perfect, which is good because who would want to be married to someone perfect?! Like this morning when we were all ready for church and Robert realized he'd left the keys in the car ignition draining the now-dead battery for 3 days. Even on days like this he comes to our rescue with some sweet church-at-home worship and bible lesson. What a gift he is - he keeps us (especially me!) young and laughing.

We are all counting down the minutes until Grandma gets here - but in one way I'm thankful she's not here yet because I've discovered anew what a hero I married. I've been able to see and experience the supernatural loving service of this man as we've welcomed our precious Samantha. And I've been the only person on earth to see it, which makes me feel like a special insider into these sacred moments of sacrifice. He's been a rock for ALL of his girls (and there are quite a few of us these days!).

Samantha's first walk in the park

For all these things I'm overwhelmed with thankfulness on this Father's Day.