I’ve started and erased this opening paragraph a dozen times. Possibly because I’ve written all day and I’m out of words but more than likely it’s because of swirling emotions.
I’ve always liked Father’s Day. I have a great dad who has rooted me in love and security. He has loved and cherished my mom, a love that gets more beautiful as they age. And in these last four years, he has gone over and above for my children and me. So I look forward to honoring him this Sunday.
But this week will also mark four years since Dan’s death. This is causing the swirl. At four years out I feel less fearful, less broken, more grounded, more hopeful.
A huge part of my grief though has been for my children. In the weeks following his death, I remember thinking, “I’m an adult. I’ve had him for 26 years; I can take this.” But my children? How I have grieved my children’s irreplaceable loss.
And then in the middle of these thoughts, Father’s Day brings me back to the boys I’m raising, and the kind of men and dads they’ll be. “Years don’t make you mature,” I’ve said lately. “Integrity and self-control make you mature.”
I keep coming back to one verse. Psalm 1 is the verse I have prayed over my boys (and girls) since they were little. I want them to be men who choose to follow hard after God, who know scripture and who keep it no matter what culture says men should be doing.
Of course my wanting it won’t make it happen. They’ve got to put down the roots. But I want them to know this is what we’ve aimed for all these years.
These three generations . . . a father who has loved well; a husband and man’s man who authentically walked out Psalm 1; and five boys who I pray will pick up that legacy and walk it into the next decades.
In honor of Father’s Day and growing boys to men, I’m sharing a Psalm 1 Scripture print. Two sizes are available: 8 x 10 or 5 x 7. I’ve framed the 8 x 10 for my boys’ room and I’m using the 5 x 7 as a Father’s Day card. (It would also make a great graduation or birthday card.) Click the link below the picture to download your free print. Enjoy friends! Thank you for visiting and feel free to print and share to your heart’s content.
*Graphics used with permission from the creative We Lived Happily Ever After.
Click here for the 5 x 7 (set printer to landscape). Click here for 8 x 10 (set printer for portrait).
Said so elequantly! I’m sure Dan is glowing in Heaven to see the family God is raising through you. Precious!
<3 Thank you Ruth!
Grief is such an unexpected, unwanted, unpredictable journey. Just when I think I’m healed, I stumble. Thank you for sharing the reminder that we keep steady through every storm through being rooted in God. Praying your family is filled with His love and peace this week.
It is that Debbie, definitely not linear. Thank you for your prayer. All is well right now. <3
Lisa, what a great way to honor fathers. I pray your boys follow the legacy their father left behind, that of their grandfather, and especially their Heavenly Father. Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your heart at #IntentionalTuesday on Intentionally Pursuing. : )
Yes and amen. Thank you Crystal and happy to connect with you at #IntentionalTuesday.
You have been on my mind and in my heart this week. As you face this anniversary and think of the sweet memories, know that your children are in the process of carrying on the legacy that you and Dan would want for them. I know for a fact that Ben is a wonderful man who embraces life, loves well, takes his responsibility seriously, and strives to be a man of God. And remember, I have insider information to know this!
That’s a great report from a mom-in-love! Thank you for prayers Sondra.
Hi Lisa … what an honor, what a tribute. Thank you for sharing this sacred offering with us here!
Thank you, Linda.
I am blessed to be your neighbor at #TellHisStory. Thank you for your words honoring dads, your husband and your sons. I know your sons will grow up well as you give them a strong center in Christ. I am also a widow and have tow grown sons. I will be praying for you on this journey.
Mary, so glad to meet another sister on this path. Blessings to you this Father’s Day weekend as well and thank you so much for visiting and commenting.
I remember you are a year ahead of me in this journey, but I’d forgotten how very close you are to exactly a year. Father’s Day is probably my most challenging “anniversary” and I am greatly encouraged by your thoughts on where to put my thoughts. And my prayers. Thank you, Lisa.
I’m tearing up Julie remembering the months and years you loved and cared for your husband. I’ve written you and your family in my journal and will be praying that God’s great love for you is crystal clear this week. <3
I’ll pray for your family as well.
Thank you, Lisa.
When I was 22 I was off camping in another state with my parents. It was 9 at night and I was watching the campfire leap and dance. Suddenly I KNEW I was no longer married. I couldn’t make sense of it–my husband was at home in the neighboring state of Pennsylvania; I had just seen him at home the day before. So, how could I be not married? What I didn’t know is that right at that time my husband died after being run over by a hit and run drunk driver. The bond that God places uniting two people when they marry was severed by his death. I believe that God allowed me to “know” that so that I would also know that He was right there with me as those events unfolded. Even though I was a lax Christian at the time, His faithfulness to me was undeniable. He says that He cares for Widows and Orphans. I can attest that He does, praise His Holy Name!
How incredible, Gail. Thank you for your sure testimony that God’s promises are true. I’m so sorry for such a loss. While years may soften the raw pain, the loss is there always.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for this lovely printable. I’m making one for my son’s wall and also for my husband’s desk. 🙂
God bless you for sharing your beautiful story . You’re doing a great job with your children. The God who never fails will continue to hold your hands and walk the journey with you to perfection! God bless and keep your dad! He’s a real ma …a real dad
That was beautiful and thank you for the freebie!
You’re welcome! Hope you enjoy it, Lori. 🙂