A Very Happy Father's Day!

As we approach this annual day celebrating fathers, this Father's Day in particular is significant in milestones.  Sure, I am a father, but more importantly, this son has great reason to revel in the joy of my father's continuance as a part of our lives here on earth.  Only a few scant months ago, my brother, mother and I found ourselves face to face with the operating room nurse sharing the bleak news of my father's probable demise as the surgeons were meeting with formidable complication.  It was a crushing blow, but I remember my brother and I both believing and praying that it would not be so.

This last Sunday, as my pastor was unlocking the words of God, it hit me.  In Matthew 18 Jesus said;

“I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (NIV)

We all headed into the surgery with relative confidence, believing that dad would be fine.  In the midst of the eleven hour ordeal we found ourselves blindsided, t-boned by an unexpected train.  Rick and I refused to relinquish hope, called upon our God asking, no pleading for, a miracle.  We agreed it was required, we asked for it and our Father in heaven came through in spades!  Even dad's surgeon admitted to the super human effort required to save our dad...power and skill beyond his ability.

My dad?  He is back to bowling without his pancreas; living a dramatically different, yet appreciative life.  What kind of Father's Day do I expect?  A very happy, no joyous one filled with continued love and celebration unlike any other.   My brother and I joined together with many of our friends in prayer for my dad asking for wisdom and skill beyond the surgeon's ability.  God heard our prayers, was with us and answered our asking.   

For me, the greatest gift this father will have this Father's Day is the joy of having my dad here, through another, very happy Father's Day.