Real Fathers

On this cold and rainy Father’s Day in Belgium I have been thinking a lot about fathers.  I am reminded that a man isn’t a true father just because he has a child.  True fathers are not very common.  A true father puts his wife and children first in all that they do. He takes the responsibility of training his children very seriously.  He knows that his actions and words today will be reaped for generations to come.  He loves and seeks God with all his heart and wants his children to far exceed him in their love and pursuit.  He lives unselfishly and will be there at the drop of a hat when his children need him.  A true father is a gift from heaven.

I have the privilege of having many true fathers in my life. I’m grateful for my father. He loves Yeshua with all his heart and has taught me the importance of prayer and an inner communion with the ultimate Father. My dad imparted to me a love for Israel and the Jewish people.  He loves the Land almost as much as I do.  (He probably thinks he loves it more, but that’s not possible!)  He is such a hard worker and tirelessly gives of himself for others.  He loves the outdoors and is always ready for adventure. I love you, Dad!

The picture below was taken last summer when they visited Gary, Preston, and I in Israel.  This is Dad, Mom, and Tracey Kingham at the Dead Sea.

I have other real fathers in my life as well.  My precious husband is at the top of the list.  His love for his children is something that continually blesses me.  His love for Yeshua inspires me every day of my life.  His love for ME brings security and comfort. Our family is truly blessed and privileged to have him in our lives. I love you, sweetie!

My son, Landon, is celebrating his second Father’s Day today.  He is a great daddy to Hadassah, and I love him so much. He loves his precious wife, Holly, unselfishly.  His love and passion for God truly inspire me.

My sons-in-love are two bright lights in my life.  I love their spunk, their lives with God, their commitment to their children, and most of all, their commitment to my daughters!

Last, but not least, I want to recognize another father in my life who moved to heaven just a couple of weeks ago.  He was a father to six biological children, but he had countless other children, including me.  Ron Woods was a real father.  He loved his kids and grandkids and was always there when they needed him. He and Gayle babysat my five children all the time (not all at once though!), and he treated all of them like his own grandkids.  They also babysat my grandchildren! We are truly family.

We are missing him so much, but we know that we WILL see him again not too long from now. We love you, Ron!