Those Daffodils

I have been thinking about my Dad today…

But why, I ask?

 It has been 16 years since he has been around.

Well, I believe it was those yellow daffodils

 I picked this morning on this dreary first day of spring

Every year on my Dad’s birthday, April 4^th,

 My mother would make him a hickory nut cake for his birthday,

And then she would look for those first daffodils, so she could decorate the cake with them. 

And then today, as I was sitting across the table from my son,

 I saw my Dad’s blue eyes…

Lord, I said,

Why all these memories today on this 5^th day of the flu for me.

And as I asked Him,

I knew…

I knew that these memories of my Dad were stirring up so many more memories of him.

Memories of things I had never sat down and appreciated, been grateful for…in the moment.

But now…as I look back…I see the bigger picture…and I am so grateful.

I am so grateful for his faith, his prayers, that he imparted to me.

I am thankful for the moment by moment teaching and example lessons, as I watched his life

His life of faithfulness, steadfastness and his virtues of perseverance, hard work and honesty.

I am thankful for his love for my mother,

 I remember him talking so highly of her

 And after a long day of work in the fields, taking her in his arms and telling her she was beautiful.

Oh, as usual, not everything was great…

But it really doesn’t matter anymore…

Because when I look back with gratitude,

 And see again the love that my father poured into his family and all those around him…

The difficult times can’t be seen!

It is good to look back and remember…and see the bigger picture.

Someday, I will look back on my circumstances of today

And be overwhelmed with the picture I see,

The picture of a faithful, loving God who is always kind,

Always working all things for my good…

Thank you Lord for the memories,

For the brilliant color of daffodils that brought these memories today,

Reminding me of Your faithfulness and goodness!