Father's day

Dear Heavenly Father,

I lift up this humble man, my father-in-law, to you this Father's Day.
He has led his family with honor, consistency and love.
He has provided for his children, and their children, and their children's children, with the generosity of a saint.
He has welcomed in his daughter and son-in-laws with open arms, support and love - as if we were his own.
He has lead his family, lived his life with his faith right out in front, a model for so many.

Bless the hands that welcomed children, grandchildren and great-grand children into the world.
Bless the hands that changed diapers, rocked babies, guided toddlers, taught pre-schoolers, coached t-ball, attended innumerable basketball and soccer games, baptisms, graduations and weddings.
Bless the arms that encircled us when we were joyful, sad, angry and pleased.
Bless the man that shared his garage tools as his children learned to use their hands.
Bless the lap that held so many young ones as they learned about life through progressive rummy.
bless the legs tha have hiked, walked, bicycled and carried so many through life. 
Bless the many miles he has traveled and the multitudes he has touched, one heart at a time.
Bless the smiles, the open arms the huge heart, that makes him who he is.

Thank you for this man, this intelligent, articulate, gentle and quiet man who shows us how to live in Your love everyday.
Thank you for his amazing contributions to the world, in his service to his country, the many flight hours logged, his participation in NASA projects, and Hughes Aircraft satellite programs.
We'll never know just how much this man has done.

Thank you for his memory of days gone by - for his stories are inspiring to several generations.
Thank you for his energy to stay active into his 90's, playing golf, river rafting, para-sailing and who knos what's next!  He inspires us to live fully, right up to our human limitations.

May we accept this gift of this man that you have given us.
May we share with him how we treasure his presence in our lives.
May we learn through his undying faith, love and generosity.

Grant him continued health, strength and happiness.
How blessed is our family to be led by this sweet, sincere, capable man of God!


Amen.