The conversation during my most recent visit with my therapist turned to stability in relationships. “Do you feel like you have ever had anyone in your life ever really see you for who you are?” was the question he asked. I remember that phrase “see you.” It’s one that I’ve used lately and has significant meaning to me. As I pondered his question, only two people came to my mind as maybe people who I feel actually “see” me. One of them was my dad.
I don’t know if my dad really sees me completely and fully understands me. He is a man of few words. But I do know that he sees me enough to ask me the simple, yet powerful questions that stop me in my tracks, like, “So is this guy the one?” And to make the subtle but insightful comments like, “Do what your heart tells you to do,” and “Don’t settle for anything less than what you want.” He makes me think. He brings me back to solid ground and encourages me towards happiness. This makes me believe that he does see more of me than I realize.
Even more important than seeing me and understanding, though, is the fact that he has got my back. He is loyal and solid. I don’t question his love for me. I don’t question his dedication to me. I have always known that he loves me simply for who I am. He has never left that unclear. The stability in his love has meant so much to me over the last few years. During really difficult times in my life, I knew my Heavenly Father was there for me always, and I knew my dad was there for me in all of the ways he could be. His presence in my life has been a life line to me.
The time I have been able to spend with my dad over the last few years has been priceless. Just yesterday we were in Midway to do some fishing together. The fish weren’t super active, which is not fun, but getting to spend the time with my dad makes it okay.
I giggled to myself when we are sitting on a fallen tree resting from the unsuccessful fishing and casually admiring the beauty of the area. “Should we head in?” I asked him. His gaze rested on the glassy waters of the Provo River rushing by in front of us. He let out a deep sigh, “Man those waters sure are pretty,” he said. “I’m going to throw my Rapala in there a couple more times before we leave,” he announced, then sprang to his feet with the youth of a 12 year old boy. It was the same hole he had been fishing for 20 minutes already, ha ha.
When I’m hanging with my dad, it’s not about the fishing, it’s simply about the time together. He makes me smile. I can’t wait for our Boulder Mountain trip coming up!
I can’t help but parallel the two Father’s in my life on this Father’s Day, my Heavenly Father, and my dad. My dad isn’t a perfect human being by any means, but his love for me is perfect, and I am so grateful for that. He loves me the same way my Heavenly Father loves me, completely. I am so grateful that he is mine. I couldn’t have asked for a better dad!
Forever grateful!
