Father's Day 2009

Today is Father's Day and I just wanted to pause and reflect on the importance of Fathers. I am so fortunate to have such a great Father to my two sons, Terry Haines. Terry is a giant when it comes to integrity and loyalty. A man like that only exists because of the influence of other great Fathers in his life. Terry's father, Paul W. Haines, is one of those men. And Terry's father is also a reflection of another great father, Paul W.'s father and Terry's grandfather, Paul E. Haines. These career missionaries embodied the pioneer spirit and unselfish character of true servant leaders. All three of these men are godly men of strength and character. I too was blessed with such a father, LeRoy G. Twilley. Although he passed away 15 years ago, his influence remains and will continue to positively impact the lives of those he touched. The common thread that binds these exemplary role models together is their love of the most famous Father of all - our Father in heaven. So, for all you Fathers out there who want to make a positive impact on those you care about and hold dear, nurture your relationship with your heavenly Father first. Because it is through that relationship that you really learn what it means to be a father. God bless all the Fathers out there - the ones who paved the way before us and those we are raising up to be Fathers in the future!