A Father’s Lexicon

If you know my husband, you know his vocabulary is both deep and wide. He has always been a reader, a writer, and a seeker. While packing books last week, my 4 year old daughter asked me what each book was about. The answer over and over was: the History of War, Philosophy, Jesus.  That’s my husband, the Soldier, Seeker, and Servant.

But with all the words he knows, my favorites to hear from him are really quite simple.  He says them to me and to our dear children on a regular basis.

Here is his everyday Father’s Lexicon:

5. Yes.  I love to hear my husband say, “Yes! Let’s do that. That is a great idea. That sounds fun and I’d be happy to do that with y’all.”

4. No. I love to hear my husband say, “No. Let’s not do that. I think there is a better way. Let’s try to do our best and invest well with our hearts, minds, and time.”

3. Forgive. I love to hear my husband say, “I forgive you. Please forgive me, too. Let’s forgive others even when we feel entitled not to. Let’s forgive even if it hurts. Let’s pray about forgiveness now.”

2. Love. I love to hear my husband say, “I love you. I have always loved you and I will always love you. I am seeking your good at all times.”

1. Come. I love to hear my husband say, “Come here. Have a snuggle. I am here for you. Lean on me. I got you.”

These words father both me and our children.  They lift us up and generate Christ in us.  I pray they dig deep in the soil of our hearts and grow into restful places for friends and family in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Happy Father’s Day, love.

What do you love to hear from the father in your life?