Daddy Can Fix Anything

My Daddy has always been my Knight in shining armour. He was the first man I ever fell madly in love with and therefore I had very high expectations for all other suitors. My Dad's been the solid rock and provider for his family for 65 years this May.

He captured my little girl heart and he never...never has let me down or disappointed me. In his arms I feel safe. Hearing his voice brings comfort and security. He used to love playing Board Games and still is a master storyteller. Dad has a natural ability to imitate others and he used to often have me rolling on the floor in laughter as he would retell one story after another, fascinating and enrapturing his audience. All would listen spellbound as he travelled back to days past, adventures taken, tales of love, and my personal favourite - the story of the 'Dale Twins'. Dad would then recount the events surrounding the miraculous birth of my sister and I - the rush to the hospital - our birth at 25 weeks - no hope for our survival and then how God spared the life of two little 1-pound babies. Dad would hug me and all seemed right with the world.

He's been a faithful man of prayer. Early every morning, when I still lived at my parents home, I would see him go to his 'Prayer Chair', Bible in hand, and spend time with his Lord. His Bible is a treasure - dog-eared corners, scribbled margins - words that tell a lifetime of heartache and joy - a life lived before and for his King.

He adores my Mom - still at the age of 83 remarks on how beautiful she is to him. They hold hands. They dance in the kitchen. Eat suppers by candlelight. He's been a romantic through and through.

Dad's famous line has been, "Leave it with me". He never say’s 'no'. He has reached in and become involved in the lives of friends and strangers. He is never afraid or ashamed to speak of his Lord and he's led people to Christ in his home, his office, his car, on the street, in a restaurant, over the phone - God's love has no boundaries in my Dad's life. God was his life. God is his life. God sustains his life. Dad's life has been held in God's grip of grace.

His daughters stole his heart. My sisters and I never for a moment have doubted that we are loved. We are his princesses. Whenever we've been damsels in distress, Dad would be there in seconds in response to a child's scream because an intruder - often a spider - had invaded their kingdom; a piece of living room furniture was lodged in a doorway and a royal daughter needed rescuing; a precious daughter was standing abandoned on the curb side as her car had failed her - but her Daddy never did; or something broke and needed to be repaired.

My sisters and I always believed that Daddy could fix anything. As I grew older I realized it was true. He was the repairer of my toys, the care-giver of my cuts and scrapes, the solver of my problems and the mender of my heart. If my car broke down…call Dad. If an appliance stopped working…call Dad. If an unexpected emergency arose…call Dad. If I needed someone to talk to…call Dad. If my tears needed a shoulder…call Dad. He was my ‘911’ and available at any hour of the day, any day of the week.

Now, Daddy needs fixing and I am helpless. His world is changing. His needs are changing. My once strong, brave, dependable Daddy can no longer carry me and my concerns. I'm not prepared for the changes I'm seeing and I don't welcome them. Tonight, Dad’s health is a concern. He is having surgery tomorrow morning. Things can change so quickly. Too fast. I want to build moguls on the slope to slow down the aging process. I need the respite of a few speed bumps.

Although he sits with me now - still my parent - our roles have changed. The man who once provided for my every needs fixing. I place Him in our Father’s care. A Father who truly can fix anything.

Thank you in advance for any prayers offered for my family tomorrow.

My Daddy and his girls:




(If you're looking for my daily blog, click here: Pondering In His Presence.)