One Turned Back: My Dad, the Present Peacemaker

Much to my mother’s chagrin, I longed for my Dad to come home when there was a hint of strife. Her threat of “Wait till your father gets home,” was inwardly greeted with cheers. I knew his very presence would bring calm, and ease the pressure that built up between two passionate and opinionated women. I remember my dad coming into my bedroom and asking each of us to explain what had happened. He listened carefully and asked probing questions. He often served as a translator between our actions and our intent. He helped bridge the gap of hormones and teenage rebellion and helped me think through how my actions communicated unintended messages. He encouraged my mother that my sassy mouth wasn’t the end of the world or the end of our relationship. Whenever I read the verse, “Blessed are the peacemakers” I think of my dad. He is my earthly example of this quality.

My dad shows up. When I was a child this looked like bucking Bronco rides, drawing me Valentine cards, and baiting my fishing hook. As a gangly youth, it was taking me hiking on the North/South Trail, cheering me on as I slowly made my way around the track, and reading my hail-Mary papers and helping me revise them at 11 o’clock at night. Now it is showing up to take care of my children and foster child when I tore my arm ligament. Making me the french toast I’m perfectly capable of making. Or taking my boys to an RA campout that Chad can’t attend.

My dad let me feel all the feelings without telling me I was “too much.” I’ve come to realize that this was a gift that not many were given (especially those of us with ADHD). He made me believe that God had gifted me with those feelings to accomplish great things. He would remind me that much is required of those who’ve been given much and he would encourage me to turn my passion towards righting injustices and seeking out the lonely. I believed him because I saw him leave at 5 in the morning on a CPS case, helped him send out letters for Life House Sponsors, and work to get people services they needed to be released from the hospital.

Most likely my dad will be slightly embarrassed about this post. He’s never been someone that sought the spotlight or demanded acknowledgement. BUT, the world needs to know that such men DO exist. I remember asking how my dad got control of his temper (something he confessed to his children, but I rarely saw), and he told me it was his relationship with the Lord. I am thankful that I’ve seen what a man can be like when he walks closely with the Lord, and I’m even more thankful that my Dad is one of those men. Happy Father’s Day Dad!