One of the books I’m reading is “Journeys Of The Human Heart” by Robert Sexton. I’m finding it heart-warming and thought-provoking. It was given to me by a dear Aunt, the sister of my biological father. It means all the more to me for those reasons.
While the book discusses many topics, two comments about a father’s love that I read last night especially resonated with me:
“A father’s love is a quiet thing,
like the fall of footsteps on grass
and the sound of hope in the human heart.”
And:
“A Father’s Love”
“You will find it in his eyes and in his hands, for these are the instuments of a man’s soul. With tenderness and constancy it nurtures, guides, comforts, and above all, instills a trust that gives a child a reason to believe in this world.”
If your memories of your father bring more pain than love or peace, then these words may sting. For that I am very sorry. It is my hope that you find forgiveness in your heart, and may that lead to greater inner peace and joy for you, as it did for me.
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
the first one resonates with me – I had a wonderful father and realize how lucky I am
I’m so glad to hear that you had a wonderful father and have the wisdom to know and appreciate that blessing, LouAnn!
Russ
Beautiful…it brought back warm memories of my own Dad who showed me exceptional kindness despite not being a very demonstrative or expressive as is typical of the Chinese culture. Sometimes, love shown in quiet gentle ways stays so deep inside it doesn’t need any words at all. I am sure you have been that sort of a father and much more to your own children. Shaz
Thank you, Shaz. That is one of the best compliments I’ve ever received. I’m glad that you had such a kind Dad. I agree that love shown in “quiet gentle ways shows a depth of love that doesn’t need any words at all.” That is the kind of Dad I have too. He is a quiet man who grew up in the country and as a boy and young man spent a lot of tme alone with his horse and dogs in the mountains of Oregon.
Thank you for sharing about your Dad. He is someone I would have liked to meet.
Your son is blessed to have you for his Mom! I’ll bet he is a great kid!
Russ
I’ve always known how blessed I was with the gift of my dad..I love how these quotes underscore the importance and specialness of a dad’s love..
Thank you, Mimi. I’m glad that you were blessed with having a dad’s love. He must have been very proud to have you as his daughter.
Russ
I think he was (though I definitely challenged that notion when I was a teenager)…and boy was I proud of being his daughter…
Ah yes, the teenage years. I remember them well from both sides of the age divide.
There are few things a man could hear that would warm his heart more than the words: “and boy was I proud of being his daughter…”.
Russ
Me too…:-) I remember them very well..
So touching and so true. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Jolyn.
Russ
Yes, I realize not all people have the privilege and joy of an unconditionally loving and gentle father. For those of us who were so fortunate, it is easy to think of our Heavenly Father as the Good Shepherd who guides His sheep and is sure not one is lost. But, for the ones whose fathers were absent, neglectful, hurtful, or down-right abusive, my heart goes out… and I want some surrogate father to step up and fill the gap. Every time you reach out to someone with a hand of love, you add a plank of trust to that bridge. Keep on reachin’, Russ! Bless You!!
Thank you for your beautiful comments, Jan. I especially love what you said about planks and bridges. So true. Bless you, Jan.
Russ