They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well Instagram and Pintrest would both boast the same thing. A picture says it all. In today’s culture, pictures visually tell the story. But…… it only shows a glimpse of the REAL story.
What this picture doesn’t say is that at one time I wrapped my small hand around my dad’s finger, because his hands were too big for my tiny hand. And now, my hands wrap around his arm to help him walk on unsteady days.
It doesn’t say that when I was little I would search for him in a crowd by the pants he was wearing, and I would tug on them so he would pick me up so I could see above the crowd. And that through the years he would continue to lift me up to change my perspective on life and people.
What it doesn’t show is that my dad taught me to ride a bike, or that he taught my children how to ride a bike with the same gentle patience.
What it doesn’t say is that my dad is the most positive person I have ever known. For the past twenty years when I would call him and say, “good morning.” He would always respond, “and a beautiful morning it is!” My father, who woke up early to shake my lazy bones out of bed to get to school, was the same man who woke up early to take my youngest son to watch the sunrise over the ocean.
What it doesn’t say is that my dad has been a constant strength in my life. He was the support I always needed, the soft place to land, and the wise counsel I always sought. And even though some days he is confused, he is never confused about the matters of the heart. His wisdom is still intact, and he is still pointing my spirit to grace, love and faith.
What it doesn’t capture is that my dad is incredibly fumy and when he laughs it is with his whole heart. He makes everyone around him feel at ease because he accepts people right where they are. What it doesn’t show is the joy I now feel when I say something funny and get to hear his laugh.
What this picture cannot capture, is the man I see in him. A man who reflects the character of God.
Years from now when some great great granddaughter stumbles across an old dusty photo album and finds this picture of me and my dad, I wonder what she will see. She may not see what I see in my dad, or know his gentle heart or how much he means to me. But there will be a part of us that will live on through many generations, as we pass down wisdom, grace and our faith in God.
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but the treasures of the heart are worth many more. A photo fades over time, but the deep love that is etched on our hearts stays with us forever. This Fathers Day, may you capture every moment in your heart.
HAPPY FATHERS DAY