A special Father's Day.

"So, Aaron, did you have a good Father's Day?"

"It was the best one I've ever had. Thank you!"

Mommy got up early and started making breakfast. We let Daddy "sleep in" for a few minutes. Then we had Alex bring Daddy his Bible, his book, and his glasses in bed. He had time alone to read and talk with God while we were downstairs getting his breakfast tray ready. Alex carried the cards, Taylor carried the gift and I carried the tray (he got a big cinnamon roll and a fruit smoothie). All five of us went in and wished him a "happy Father's Day" with breakfast in bed. Then he opened his gifts and loved them! Then it was off to church for worship practice. He got to play the drums. Little did he know, we had another surprise for him! At announcement time, mommy got to go up and honor Daddy. This is what she said.

Aaron (Daddy), we wanted to honor you this Father’s day because you mean the world to us! We know words could never match the feelings we have for you in our hearts, but we want to try to tell you nonetheless. I asked the kids why they love you.
Alex said, “I love my Daddy because he goes to work and gets money for our family and I love that. He takes me on dates. He reminds me about Jesus.”
Taylor said, “I love Daddy because he takes me fun places and because he takes care of me. And because he loves me and tells me about Jesus.”
Brianna said, “I love Daddy because I love Daddy so much.”
And I know Keaton already does because I can see it in his eyes that he already his Daddy. He is always so excited to see him! I am excited to see these relationships continue to grow!
I am thankful to God for His amazing work in your life as a father, Aaron. He has shown you much grace in teaching you how to be a good, loving father and leader to our kids. I see this in the everyday things you do for them. From your smile and big hugs and kisses when you come in the door at the end of the day, even if it’s been a tough one, to your hugs and kisses to them every night before bed. From your tickles and giggles to you just getting down and playing their games. From your taking us out for a treat “just because” to you bringing your girls out alone on special dates. Your love for them is obvious and beautiful.
I am encouraged by the way you consistently confess your sin to them and ask them for forgiveness. You are not afraid to show yourself as a sinner to the kids and to acknowledge it openly. It is so good that they see your mistakes and realize you aren’t perfect so that they aren’t scared to talk to you about their sins. What an awesome example of humility this shows them and in turn has helped them to follow in the same way.
I enjoy seeing the comfort in their faces when you go in to bless them with Scripture each night. What a beautiful picture of God’s love for us you are showing them!
I love the time you spend with our kids – even if it’s the only minute you have left – just to show them that you care. Seeing you have fun with them (even the girly things) is priceless.
It is fun to see you enjoy their many works of art they give you and how you display them at work because you think they are precious.
It is awesome to see you lay hands on and pray over our children when they are sick or hurting. You never turn them down because you are too busy. You see this as a priority and I am so thankful! This also shows your trust in God, our Healer and is teaching them to go right to Him with their needs.
You always make us all feel protected by your prayers for us, calling or writing us during the day to make sure we are doing well or letting us call you when we need you at anytime, or cuddling with the kids when they are scared while telling them of God and His ultimate protection for them.
I adore the way you remind our kids of the cross so often. When they are in desperate need to hear it, you are faithful to give it. This is true because of the beautiful heart you have through Christ! Your thankfulness for Jesus and the cross is very evident in the way you lead our family. We praise God for the grace He has allowed on your life to make you such a loving father and leader to our children.
Aaron, we hope and pray that you feel honored every day, not just today. Thank you for being such a good Daddy. We love you!

By the end, we were both crying. It was so nice to be able to honor Aaron. Then we came home for a picnic on the deck. What a perfect day God had provided for us! It was gorgeous! We had burgers on the grill and mac n cheese for the kiddos. Can't forget the strawberries! Yummy!

We had quite a needed relaxing afternoon and evening then and are very thankful for it.

We are truly glad you had such a good day, Aaron, and hope you felt special. We thank God for you and praise Him for His work in your life!