Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. As I met with the Living God from the front porch this morning I had plenty of things to give thanks for. Another day to Serve…a farm to steward…an amazing tribe from top to bottom…a life overflowing with friends…a strong and healthy body…and a father who taught me how to savor a sunrise and what it looks like to love unconditionally. It’s my Dad’s birthday today and I’m missing him a little more than I usually do. I don’t focus on when he died – or how he died – I focus on when he was born and how he lived instead. The legacy should never get lost over time. So this morning, I thanked God for choosing him to be my Dad and I thanked Him even more that I am absolutely sure that there’s a Heavenly reunion coming one day soon. Isn’t how you think of your loved ones too?

I could make a list that would wrap around Virginia a few times about the drama surrounding my childhood. I could blame all my bad decisions and all the trials of life on how I was raised. I could talk until I turn blue about what it was like to be abandoned over and over again by a Dad that was a runaway alcoholic. I could make a strong man cry to hear what it felt like to be shuffled from house to house more times than I can count and how uncertainty was part of daily life throughout my childhood. But it’s when we know that we know that God Handpicked our parents before the foundations of the earth for a PURPOSE much greater than ourselves, that we Learn to Trust that all things really do work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His Purpose. I am certain that all the uncertainty and heartbreak brought on by a man consumed by his addiction (and filled with remorse each time he stumbled) had a Big Purpose. It didn’t define me or my life and it sure didn’t make me weak – it made me strong instead. It taught me to love unconditionally. It taught me to be compassionate toward the “weaker ones” and it taught me not to judge the man (or woman) based upon their mess. It made me loving and kind. It taught me how to forgive over and over again, and it prepared me to put the needs of others before my own. When I think of my Daddy on his (110th) birthday, I give thanks for the ENTIRE journey and how his heart for me was so much bigger than his battles…and I look forward to our Eternity together. He knew how to laugh. He knew how to love. He knew how to talk for hours with his little girl. The beautiful side of my childhood prevails every time.

I wouldn’t wish my Daddy back to this life for anything in the world because I know he’s found his Forever Home and he’ll be waiting for me to join him one day. Things on this earth don’t matter anymore and there’s no more uncertainty for either of us. Through his weakness I became strong…through his love, I learned to love unconditionally… and through His character mine was developed. His journey prepared me for mine! How could I possibly have regrets when all the pieces have been threaded into Good just like God says it will be? The “bad times” will NEVER out shadow the good times and my Daddy’s legacy will NEVER be lost in the loss.

Happy birthday, Daddy!