Sunday, June 17, 2012

Happy Father's Day Dad!

Today is Father's Day and I had to post a blog because I have an amazing Dad, and it's not every day that I get the opportunity to brag on him.

My father is Dr. Randall Lee James.  He's a pastor, author, teacher, theologian, former evangelist, former missionary, and musician.  But more than all of that, he's Dad.

He has taught me many things throughout my life.  He's funny and he's taught me how to find the humor in nearly any situation.  He's wise and has shown me to value of thinking through a problem and seeing all sides of a situation.  He's incredibly smart and he has the ability to make even the most complicated things easy to understand.  He tells me that he's proud of me when I do well and corrects me when I mess up.  But whether I do well or I fail, he tells me he loves me and that is something that means more to me than I have words to express.

When I went into the ministry it was so comforting to know that he would help me work through any questions that would come up as I do my studies and take the classes that are needed for my ordination.  I have often sought his council over the years and he has never failed to listen to my questions and help me find the answers.  It is very freeing to know that I can ask Dad anything and he will never make me feel stupid for asking the question.  I always try to take the classes that he teaches because I know I will learn a lot.

Dad has shown me in both word and deed what it means to be a follower of Jesus.  I have watched him over the years through good times and bad and I have watched how he has responded to situations of all kinds.  No matter what goes on in life, I continually see Jesus in my Dad.  I want to be an example like that for others.

He may not realize it, but in life and in ministry he is the best teacher I have ever had and I hope to continue to learn from him for many many years to come.  So, Happy Father's Day Daddy!  I love you so much and I am so blessed to have you!