Fathers are a very important part of our lives. However, fathers often take a back seat to mothers. Mothers are very important, and they play a very significant role in our lives, but fathers are just as important to us. God is our Heavenly father, and how He loves His children is the perfect example of what our fathers should be and are to us. God’s love for us is unconditional and never ending. Our earthly fathers possess the same kind of love for their children. Many times they show their love to their children in different ways than mothers do, but their love for us is just as strong and just as precious. Our fathers have taught us to work hard and take care of our families. They have taught us to always be there for each other and to always try to help each other. Our fathers do this for us, and many of them never take or get the credit that they deserve.

I have been blessed to have three very important father figures in my life. When I think about these three men, I am reminded of all the lessons that they have taught me, and I truly can see God working through them to make my life, the lives of countless others, and the world a better place. I would like to take a few minutes and honor these three men.

The first father in my life is my dad, George Weaver. I do not think there is a harder working man than my dad. He was worked his entire life taking care of his family. My dad has taught me so many things, but one of the most important lessons that he has taught me is to do my best at whatever job I am doing. My dad always says, “A job worth doing is worth doing right.” He has instilled that belief in all of his children, and he has truly led by example. Another important lesson that my dad has taught me is that families stick together. He always says, “One for all and all for one.” He has always encouraged my brothers and me to help and support each other. He has done the same for his siblings, and it has made a difference in all of their lives. There are so many things that I admire and love about my dad, but I think the thing that speaks to me the most his how much he loves Jeff. I overheard him say to Jeff recently, “You are just like a son to me.” I cannot tell you what that did for me to hear my dad say that. My dad never says anything he does not mean. He is one of the most honest people I think I have ever met and to know that he feels that way about Jeff fills my heart with so much joy. I know that for many men it would be hard for them to say that to their son’s partner, but that is how much my dad loves and accepts Jeff and me. His love and acceptance is a gift that I have often taken for granted in the past, but one that I fully acknowledge and appreciate today.

The second father in my life is Jeff’s dad, Bob White. Bob is the kind of man that would do anything for anyone who needed help. He has an enormous, big heart and a real desire to help his fellowman. He is a very hard working man who has worked all his life and taken care of his family. He has instilled that work ethic in his children and he has taught them to always do their best and to have a kind heart. I think the thing I admire the most about Bob is how much he loves Jeff. The love he feels for his son exudes out of him, and he truly wants the best for Jeff. Actually, that is what Bob wants for everyone. He just wants people to be happy, to achieve what they desire, and to live a good life. Because of his help, love, and acceptance he has helped Jeff and me have a much better life.

The third father that I would like to honor is my grandfather, Norman Cutsinger. My grandpa Norman was actually my step-grandfather, but to me he was my grandpa. He had time for me when my natural grandfathers did not. My grandpa was a hard working man with a huge heart. I would have never had a grandfather-grandson relationship to cherish had he not been a part of my life. He always made an effort and took the time out of his life to spend with his grandchildren and was never too busy to lend a helping hand. When I think about my grandpa Norman, I am reminded that sometimes the people who play the important roles in our lives are not related to us by blood, but are related to us by love. I lost my grandpa Norman on August 28, 1998. I still miss him and think of him everyday, but I am so thankful for the time I had with him and for the influence he has had on my life.

So, as you can see, I have been very blessed to have three very important and special father figures in my life. All three of these men have modeled their fathering skills after God. They all have taught their children and their grandchildren to live their lives the way that God wants all of us to live. They love their children and grandchildren unconditionally, and they want the best for all of them. They have taught them to work hard and help their fellowman. They have led by example, and I am very thankful to have benefitted from their influence in my life.

We should all honor our fathers, not just on Father’s Day, but every day. God has blessed us with a fatherly influence in all of our lives. The fathers in our lives take different forms, and some are not biologically our fathers, but we should honor them and show them the love that they have shown us. A father’s love and influence can bring peace to all of our lives, and PEACE MATTERS.

~Dan~