Father’s Day | Sara Burt

This morning I laid out the 4+ years of Dad’s Dinks I still have in my possession. My intent was to pick a few of my favorites and text them to him throughout the day. But as I began reading through them, so many memories flooded my soul and I was overwhelmed with the treasure I have.

The enemy is after our children and my Dad knew the value of going to battle for his kids. Exodus 15:3 says, “The Lord is a warrior; Yahweh is His name.” My Dad has been many things to me, including coach, running buddy, youth minister, and boss. However, it is no wonder that sense my Dad is created in God’s image, the warrior is core to his identity and his role. The Bible even talks about children as arrows in their parents quiver (Psalm 127:4-5). Warrior image.

My Dad started these “Dinks” when I was playing volleyball in junior high, and they continued through college. Many mornings, I would wake up with an index card lying on my dresser. The “Dink” always contained a scripture verse, and usually a thought or two. Miraculously, I held on to them, not fully appreciating their value at the time. I could write a sappy post about how loving my Dad was through these cards (which he was!), but more importantly I want to highlight how he was lovingly teaching me how to fight the enemy.

As a parent, I appreciate the discipline it took for him to pen these truths to me. The words shared between a daddy and daughter can never be underestimated. Yes, my Dad taught me to play basketball, to ride a bike, to drive, to waterski, etc. But more importantly, he taught me to fight with the Word. My Dad knew the weighty responsibility he had to impart a spiritual legacy to his children. I have great respect for him and for the godly example he set.

So to all the dads out there: the little things matter. They add up to big piles of index cards forever cherished. Happy Father’s Day Daddy.

To My Husband’s Dad:

Never before have I have been more thankful for you than as of late. I was blessed to know you for eighteen months, but I feel as though I have known you my entire life. No doubt it’s because your godly character, humor, steadfastness, and as of recently, your love to write poetry, have lived on through your son.

Your legacy lives on through your grandchildren as well. How much fun you would be having with them…and probably some mischief as well. I miss you. Your sons miss you. And that longing for reunion drives us to the foot of the cross, praising God for the hope we have. What we see and feel is not ultimate. It is not the end.

Thank you for modeling to your sons the invaluable gift of disciplined daily bible reading, pointing them to The Rock so they might lead their families well. Your son has become a man I could have never imagined fourteen years ago. God has blessed him immeasurably as he carries your name into the next generation. A picture of you sitting around a campfire hangs in your grandsons’ bedroom. I love to hear your son tell his boys stories of Papa Bo.

I honor you this Father’s Day. I cherish your memory as I listen to your son preach the Word he saw you read most mornings. You are a hero in my home and I look forward to eternity spent together. Happy Father’s Day.