Honor Your Father

In the span of two weeks my two oldest children posted these two entries to their Dad on Facebook:

On Monday we crossed the border into Jordan. We went up near Mount Nebo and took in the view that Moses would have had in Deuteronomy 34. For those who don't know the story, Moses got to see the Promise Land but was not able to go there.
As I stood there, I thought about how Moses must have felt.Think about it, despite his hard work for and faithfulness to Israel he did not get what he wanted. He instead got to see someone else live out his dream. How would you feel if you were him? These thoughts of Moses began to blend into thoughts of my dad (David Chellsen). It's always been his dream to visit Israel. I thought about how like Moses saw the Promise Land from a distance, my dad would be seeing these photos of my visit on Facebook. Essentially, he would be seeing someone else live out his dream. This emotional moment near Mount Nebo gave me a new love and appreciation for my dad. Like Moses to Israel, my dad's hard work for and his faithfulness to his family has allowed me to walk in my calling and follow my dreams. I would not be here today without him. And when I say "here," I mean that in every sense of the word.     I love you dad and I hope you can come with me next time!

This one's for you, Dad  :) #humphreybogart   #hollywood #walkoffame  #classic with David Chellsen at Hollywood.

Both of them living out a desire or dream of their Dads. What struck me was the honor they showed their Dad not only with their words but their desire to share with him the things he has not yet to do.  The significance they saw in this connection – in fulfilling their father’s desires, his dreams – the connection they have to his heart.  Now this man (my man) does not feel that what he does has great significance.  
Yet, over the years, he has received countless notes, cards and letters from his eight children sharing their love, appreciation and honor for who he is and for what he does. 

A few years back a wrote a blog post about this father’s love as seen through his children:

SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 2012

The character of His children are a reflection of their Fathers love..
                            …children are a reflection of their Father.

The best of this man
       is reflected in each of our children.


In Nick -
I see your love for current events, politics and history
           and your gentle strength and faithfulness.

In Brittaney –
I see your all or nothing approach to life
        and your passion for this world and those you love.


In Alex –
I see your sense of humor, love for music
       and your love and compassion for children.

In Aaron –
I see your drive for justice
     and your inventiveness and creativity.


In Jonathan –
I see your wonder for life
    and your resilience and perseverance.

In Audriona –
I see your loyalty and competiveness
     and your desire to take care of those you love.


In Angelina –
I see your candidness, (Jersey attitude)
     and your heart for the underdog and sense for adventure.

In Shekinah –
I see your hot and cold range of emotions and quick wit
      and your desire to talk, and talk and talk -
                                        about the things you love.

A Father -
provides the fountain of strength, wisdom and hope
           so that his children may build their dreams upon it.
Thank you for providing that fountain of strength, perseverance and love... 
                                    so our children can build their dreams upon it.

His son is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact likeness of God’s being.  He holds everything together through his powerful words.   Hebrews 1:3

As I pondered these words: The character of His children are a reflection of their Fathers love... I thought about how our children are not only a beautiful reflection of their earthly father - they are a glorious reflection of their heavenly father. 

Andrew Murray said in his book How to Raise Children for Christ
“The deepest secrets of the Godhead in the fellowship of the Father and the Son by the Holy Spirit were to be shown in the family.” -Murray

Hebrews 1:3 says that Jesus was a reflection of His father, a reflection of His glory, the exact likeness of His being. Our relationships here on earth - Husband and wife, parent and child, friend and friend are to be a reflection of this Heavenly relationship. One that is laced with love, grace and honor.

So, this man (my man) - the one who does not feel that what he does has great significance -
He is a reflection of His Heaving Father, as he is faithful in serving his family-

by chauffeuring them here and there and everywhere,

by encouraging them to live out their dreams and desires,

by sacrificing many of his desires to see his children be able to do them,

by getting up early to go to a job that is physically hard - day in and day out,
by paying attention to their interests and gifting them with special gifts just because,

by encouraging them to test the things they read or hear -even the things he says,
by instilling in them to be their own person and not a carbon copy of the world,
by loving them everyday the best he knows how.

His significance is shown in the character of his children.

His children are a reflection of his love.

David, we love and honor you today - just because.