Fathers in my Favorite Five

The Hubby, is of course at the Top of my Favorite Five. Gibson came into my life when Katie and Jessi were 8 and 11 and then chose to marry us (definitely a package deal!) when the girls were 11 and 14. Not primo fathering years, or mothering either for that matter. We were a house full of hormones and while he was far from perfect at this new skill called step-parenting...he stayed the distance through science projects, a new baby, broken curfews, at least 10 proms, 8 years of college, and 2 weddings...and all during my pre-during-post menopausal years. Gibson has shown great patience, unconditional love and flexibility.

Quality I admire most about his fathering: Promise-Keeper

My Dad, William (Bill) Powell, has been with the Lord almost 15 years now. He was a strict Father, demanding a lot and expecting more. But he worked hard to provide for our family in ways that counted beyond the usual material things: Dinners out, vacations, boating and eventually a lake house were just as important to build memories as the golf clubs he indulged in. Dad had a keen mind for business, yet it was never glamorous or fulfilled any of his dreams...it was just what he did 5-6 days a week to pay the bills.

Quality I admire most about his fathering: Provider

The first son-in-love to come into our family married daughter Kate. Joshua Walters is an amazing father of 3 and I'm enjoying observing his parenting skills a little more frequently since they moved here in January. What is so cool to me about Josh is how his whole face lights up when anyone talks about AnnaJaye, Abigail or Abel. He recognizes just how unique each one is and while he is also quite aware of their not-so-perfect qualities, he simply delights in the way God is growing each one. He is patient with the first, adventurous with the second and antipating life with the third.

Quality I admire most about his fathering: Love that Delights

Son-in-love Nicholas Connolly has also amazed me at how quickly he has taken on this parenting role. Both of these young men had 3 children before they reached the age of 28, which is an accomplishment in itself! What I observe about Nick is how focused he is with every part of the role. Whether it is teaching Elias about obedience while eating his waffles or reigning in Glory's wild side to obedience, Nicholas stays on that one thing until it is mastered. With newborn Benjamin, Nick was just as determined to have one-on-one time with him in the NICU.

Quality I admire most about his fathering: Intentional Love

We heard a great message yesterday about God is...Father. Of course He is the Father I cling to, trust in, run to and depend on far more than any earthly one. So I won't even put Him in this category of Fathers in my Five. He is Abba-Daddy and there is no other.
But to round out my list of Fav Fives in the earthly realm, I would have to list all those who stand in the role of Fathering without ever getting the card or present. These would be my Uncle E.B., Gibson's Uncle Jim and best friend Kay's husband Del Smith for starters. None of these 3 ever parented naturally, but have taken on the role of Encourager, Champion and Friend for me and countless others.

Qualities I admire most about their Fathering: Love without Measure