Happy Birthday Dad!

Dad, you have always supported and encouraged me, especially in my creative endeavors, however time consuming or strange they may have been at times. When I learned to ride the unicycle for stage production, you spent time helping me balance outside. When I wanted to play the guitar, you let me use yours as if it was my own and you and mom were my first audience. Not long before I left, you gave me a gift that is already proving to be more valuable to me than anything else I brought with me.

At first I was hesitant to bring the ukulele with me because I only knew a few chords so I didn’t see how it would be useful to me. I was completely wrong. It has become a way for me to relax and release tension. It gives me a personal creative release and it has really added to my personal time with God. The reason I am telling you all of this on your birthday  is because of what I have done with it outside of my quiet times. I already told you about the mini talent show at the staff retreat where I played a Beatles song for everyone, but I didn’t tell you about after that.

When I got home from the retreat, I went outside and sat on the trampoline to play a little bit of music. I ended up writing a song while I was out there and then decided it was appropriate to share during our prayer emphasis day on Wednesday. I sang a couple known worship songs before hand and then played my own. It was the first time I ever lead people in worship, and it was an experience I think I am willing to continue. Because I owe so much of all this to you and I knew you would want to know how your gift to me is flourishing, I give you this:

Happy birthday dad! I love you so much!

P.S. Here are the lyrics

You tell me that your love is deep

Deeper than the seas

You tell me that your love is wide

Greater than the skies

You tell me that your love is whole

Fills up my soul

But I--can't comprehend all your truth

And I don't think I can even stand before you 

I ---know

That in your presence 

I--- am not alone

I ---know

That some---day

I---will be home

You tell me your love never fails,

Never leaves my side.

You tell me your love is strong,

Stronger than the storm's eye.

I ---know

That in your presence 

I--- am not alone

I ---know

That some---day

I---will be home

And you tell me your love is a light,

The light to eternal life.

You tell me your love covers sins,

Because of the day you died.

But you died, and rose again.

And I'll never understand

How you died, and rose again,

All for the sake of the condemned.

All for the sake of the condemned. 

Yet, you died and rose again,

And I'll never understand

How you died and rose again,

Just because your love never ends.

Just because your love never ends.