Thank you, Tom.

Would you like to meet my daughter?”

Tom was beaming with pride as he came out of the delivery room to show off our brand new baby girl, who unknowingly tapped into a reservoir of his heart that he didn’t even know existed. It was a special moment that I reflect on often and won’t ever forget.

Thankfully, I still see that look on his face today - when Madison talks about a patient she cared for or when Matt explains a lesson he’s learned from his cancer journey. He loves being with our kids, laughing at a silly movie, playing a game or cheering on our beloved Chiefs. He also loves sitting with them quietly when they need him to just be present, and he is more than willing to do the hard things that God has called him to do as a father.

Today I thank Tom, not only because of his impact on our children, but for his impact on me.

As I watch the way he looks at Madison and Matthew with genuine delight - he shows me how my heavenly father delights in me. (The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17)

As I see him fiercely try to protect them - he points me to the lion that is fighting my battles. (You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you. Deut 3:22)

As I witness the tears he’s shed for and with them - he reminds me my Father God does the same. (You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8)

Tom, I see you, thank God for you and celebrate you.

In honor of the dads in your life, I’d love you to leave a comment about the ways those special men point(ed) you to God and in doing so, strengthen(ed) your faith.