Happy Father's Day, Bud!

When I picture my Prince Charming as a father, this is the image that most often comes to my mind. I’ve made a photograph of Bud, Burrito and Kat in this same pose every year since the kiddos were toddlers. The beach is sometimes a different one from the prior year and sometimes the kiddos don’t remember on what “side” of dad they’re supposed to be. But the symbolism of this photo never changes. To me, it represents our life - Bud as an attentive father to our children, fun times, and the contentment of just being together.

Whenever I’m asked to describe Bud, I simply state that he is a man of integrity. He fulfills the admonishment given to Christian men in Titus 2. In this passage, Christian men are instructed to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. A godly man is to be an example by doing good works of every kind. To speak the truth so that his words can’t be criticized and opponents will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say. He is to be an employee who always obeys his employer and does his best to please them. Godly men must not be quarrelsome or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good so that they will make the teaching about God our Savior appealing in every way.

This is my Prince Charming, the father of our children.