Daddy

I was just perusing Facebook, and, would you believe it, EVERYONE is claiming that their dad is THE BEST dad EVER!!!

Well.

Sorry, kids, but I am the authority on who the best dad ever is.

And it's my Daddy. :)

James Allen is the best Daddy for many, many reasons. I'll list some:

1. He has more integrity than anyone I have ever met. Besides Bill Johnson, of course, but I technically haven't met Bill...only shook his hand a few times on my way out of church. But still! :) My dad is a man of integrity, which makes him extra special since integrity-filled men are hard to come by these days.

2. He's handsome! My dad is such a great looking guy! Would you believe he's in his 60s??? No way! :)

3. He has an incredible work ethic. The guy has been working most of his life at what he is called to do and he does it very well. He has set an amazing example of what life is like: yes, you have to work and you can be a blessing, and be blessed, while doing it!

4. My dad models an ultra-healthy and balanced lifestyle. He works hard, yes, but he also takes time for himself and his family. My dad goes to the gym at least 4 times a week, does strength exercises every day to keep his body feeling good so he can keep up his active lifestyle, he watches sports on TV to relax (and a little FOX News when he feels like it), does the dishes most nights of the week, and most importantly, spends quality time with the Lord every single day. He makes plans for family vacations and initiates and participates in family activities. He is plugged into the local church, is active in a marketplace ministry to reach out to those in his field, and is constantly seeking wisdom from the Lord and from amazing leaders in the Body.

5. He is constantly becoming a better husband and father. My mom and dad have pretty much always had a rocky marriage, but they stuck it out and for the past couple years have had the best relationship I've ever seen them have. It's inspirational for me to observe their growth and changes and know that they each are committed to making their lives better for each other.

6. He's prayed for me and my future every day for as long as I can remember. When I was little, I would wake up in the wee hours of the morning, sometimes when it was still dark, and see him kneeling by my bed to pray over me. I am convinced that his prayers are a significant reason behind why I follow Jesus the way I do as an adult. It's powerful.

7. He cares deeply about my life, decisions, and relationships. Dad loves to ask questions, and most of the time I don't have the answers he's looking for, but just knowing that he cares to know about my schedule, my classes, my activities, and my thoughts about church and God and faith means so much to me. He is really into making sure that I am making wise decisions, weighing all options and praying long and hard before deciding...and definitely coaching me through anything I don't have experience in. Dad is a huge fan of Matt, which is so great, and he takes time to talk with Matt one-on-one over skype, or email, or taking him out to eat when Matt comes to visit. I love Dad's input into our relationship and I know Matt does too. As for my other friendships, though Dad hasn't always been the best at remembering my friends' names, he makes a valiant effort and likes to be updated on lifestyles, marriages, new babies, and anything he can remember about my junior high and high school friends' lives.

8. Dad cares about my little girl heart. Last summer after Matt and I broke up for a time, I came home from work to find a single rose wrapped in florist paper on my bed. Remembering that sweet gesture still brings tears to my eyes. Dad cared about making sure I was okay and loving on me and praying for me through that difficult and emotional time.

9. My dad sees everything as a teaching opportunity. He makes the most of every experience whether its teaching me how to make soft-boiled eggs for breakfast, or which gasoline to buy for the lawn mower. Or how to make a bed the way his mother, a registered nurse, did, or how he was taught to make a bed when he was in the army reserve (so tight that you could bounce a quarter off it--and if the quarter didn't bounce, the inspecting officer would rip all the bedding off and you'd have to do it all over again). 

10. My dad honors his own father. It's so inspirational as a child to hear your dad speak highly of his own parents. I think it somehow triggers a response in you to look for things that you can speak highly of about your own parents. My grandpa was a great man and my dad always takes an opportunity to speak to his legacy.

11. My dad appreciates me and who God made me to be. He understands my love language (words of affirmation) and speaks to it whenever he can. He takes notice of the work I do around the house or the food I make for the family and verbally honors me for it. He sees me as the woman I'm trying so hard to be and speaks into that destiny.

12. My dad loves the Lord with everything in him and does all that he can to live in a way pleasing to God.

See? My dad is the best. :) I love him sooo much, and wish him the BEST Father's Day ever!