Dear friends and loved ones:

Today, June 17, is Father’s Day. A day set aside to honor our fathers and tell them “we love you.”

My father was a very special man to many, but especially to me. He was a hard worker. For over 30 years he worked at Mel-O-Bloom Dairy in Kokomo, Indiana, delivering milk to stores. He arose at 3:30 a.m. six days a week. His work ethic was unbelievable. I can’t ever remember my father not going to work—no matter how he felt.

He wanted to instill this work ethic in me. From the time I was in sixth grade until the day I graduated from high school, every Saturday I was on the milk truck with him. Initially it was fun, but I have to admit getting up at 3:30 a.m. after a Friday night date was no fun!

However, these times with my father were very valuable in developing my work ethic and, more important, my character. Throughout those years we had many conversations on studying, my educational goals, dating and—most important—the importance of God in my life. These conversations centered on integrity, honesty, treating people fairly and the importance of prayer.

There never was a time I was around my father after I left home that he didn’t ask “is there anything I can do for you?”

My father died at age 69 from lung cancer. I miss him dearly, especially on Father’s Day. I am so grateful I had a person who believed in me, and who, no matter what, loved me. Because of my father and mother I am who I am today.

There, of course, is another man I call Father and that is my Heavenly Father—Jesus. Jesus taught me how important a Heavenly Father can be. He taught me the perception of right and wrong, integrity and honesty, sternness but forgiving and unconditional love. Jesus is walking by my side every second of the day. No matter what I do or say, He will always love and forgive me, if only I ask.

It is through this relationship I had with my father and have with Jesus that I try hard to be a good father to my children—Raquel and Brad. Dads are not perfect and neither am I. The important thing is I hope my children know I love them.

I pray that your relationship with your father and Jesus is as special as mine. If not, it could be—especially with Jesus. He will guide and protect you and in the end will give you eternal life. All you have to do is believe.

“And father, do not provoke your children
to anger but bring them up in the
discipline and instruction of the Lord”
Ephesians 6:4

Happy Father’s Day, Dad!

Love,
David