Happy Birthday to my Father-in-Law

Today marks my father-in-law's 72nd birthday. I first met Fred more than two decades ago when I was a new teacher at Frankfort Middle School, home of the Hot Dogs. I was a 6th-grade geography teacher, and he taught math. We didn't have much of a relationship back then, but a few years later Fred asked me if I would be interested in meeting his oldest daughter. The rest is history.

I'm not exactly sure what Fred saw in me back in the day, but I will never be able to thank him enough for all that he has done for me. Fred is a man of few words, but he has spoken volumes into my life. He is undeniably a man of God that I desire to emulate. Below are just a few of his traits that display our King of Kings and have made a profound impact on me and countless other people.

1. Patient - I get impatient when driving, when things break, and when my children don't follow my instructions, but this isn't what I see from Fred. Fred has been given an increasing faith in God's timing, power, and love. Various trials in Fred's life have helped develop this Christlike patience, and I so look forward to seeing Fred being rewarded in the end.

2. Faithful - Fred is faithful to his family, friends, and fellowship. You won't find a single person that would say Fred hasn't devoted himself to helping his family, being a good neighbor, and serving in a local body of believers. If the Lord allows me to live as long as Fred, I would be honored if people said I was half as reliable, steadfast, and loyal as him.

3. Gentle - Sometimes I forget that toughness isn't one of the fruits of the Spirit - not Fred. Fred is not one to boast, desire revenge, or be impolite. He's humble and understands that God's ways and thoughts far exceed our own. Fred accepts God's righteous judgment on people and circumstances, and he overflows with the fruit of gentleness.

4. Servant's Heart - Fred serves our Heavenly Father by doing His will and not his own. I desire to have this mature spirituality and leadership ability that Fred possesses. I certainly know that Fred isn't perfect; however, it's quite evident that Fred gives himself to others in order to bring God glory. He has the power of the Spirit and is always pointing me to Jesus.

Happy Birthday, Fred. I'm so thankful you are my father-in-law. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.