Today is Father's Day, and I have been reflecting on my life and relationship with my dad. If you're interested, I invite you to learn about the special bond we share. I just wanted to take a minute and jot down my perceptions of what makes my dad a great man, and how God has blessed me with such a great influence. The following is not a fully inclusive list, as attempting to mention all that defines his manhood and fatherhood is almost impossible. These are qualities that I admire about my hero and my role model:
Joe B. Robinette Jr. is one of the most humble men I know; and I wanted to say this up front because some might not know the details about his character and his role in my life otherwise. He probably would refuse the credit given to him. If there is anyone who exemplifies a life of servitude, it is he. I haven't ever known Dad to be a selfish person; rather, the things he does and the activities he chooses to fill his life's jar with are all revolving around others. At age 59, he is still actively involved as an assistant scoutmaster and committee councilman in Boy Scouts, an elder and shepherd in the church, a Bible class teacher, and a friend to many. These go beyond the many things he volunteered for while I was growing up.
Dad was an active participant (and still is) in my development. He made up bedtime stories to share when I was a child. He read to me at night. He took a few minutes out of his day to go play catch in the back yard. He even volunteered as a coach just to spend that much more time with me. He took me hunting and taught me outdoorsmanship. He, sometimes forcibly, took me out to the ranch and taught me how to work and developed my work ethic. Although it was difficult to see and understand earlier on, he spent as much time as he could with me. Spending time together was, and continues to be, a great way to show me how much he loves and cares for me.
Dad was a great teacher and disciplinarian, and he was a master at striking the proper balance. Yeah, he spanked me when I was in need of it, and look, I'm not emotionally scarred or crippled for life. Instead, he cared about me and felt the calling to teach me what is right and what is biblical. Every time prior to my spanking, we read the Bible together. And every time immediately after my reprimand, I was hugged and held. He explained to me that it was necessary because he loved me and it was his responsibility to show that and to show me the way. These two verses he took to heart: "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." Proverbs 13:24. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6. I admire him so much for that.
My dad is a patient man. He might disagree somewhat with that assessment, but from my eyes, I stand firm with attaching that quality to his character. I did some stupid stuff as a kid. I made him mad sometimes. We butted heads a few times and didn't always see eye to eye. When I could see that it would be easy to blow up at me, he hugged me instead. Again, I could tell that he focused a large part of his life on me. He was patient to teach me things, about something as small as cleaning a gun, or about larger matters such as being a boyfriend/husband/man that God would have me be. It was a sign of his unconditional love.
Finally (at least the last point that I will mention), what makes my father an incredible man is his zeal in sharing the Gospel with me and bringing me up in the faith. Anyone can read a Bible, but Dad was always intentional in taking the next step (and I need to add that Mom was stride-for-stride in this endeavor). We read the Bible at the dinner table (and when I got my butt busted) like clockwork, we prayed together often, he and Mom took me to church three times per week. But stopping there wasn't an option for him. He made sure that he was the best he could be. He knew that my young eyes were watching his every move, and he was careful to live his life as he wanted me to live mine. THAT is what I define as father.
I pray for Dad. I thank God that He sent me the only guy on the earth that fit that role in my life. My dad is my hero, my best friend, my hunting partner, my teacher, my mentor, my confidant, my Dad, and so many other important figures to me. It takes a true man to take on the responsibilities of a father, and he has done so with flying colors. It would be an honor to be the father that he has been to me. I also pray that God makes me a father like he is, and that should God bless me with children, that they could have the privilege of growing under such a man of honor, wisdom, and integrity as he. I know that my words have not completely done justice to my dad's outstanding character, and I apologize for that.
Thanks for reading and sharing the reasons of why I love my father. Happy Father's Day, Dad. I love you.
