I am a dreamer; a big picture person. Details intimidate me; I get too easily bogged down in them. There is a saying that the devil is in the details. It is in living out the details that big pictures become reality. It is in the details that dreams turn into hard work. Through the details we shed romance and glamour for consistence and often drudgery.
Dad, I want to tell you, that it is in the details of your life I have most clearly seen Jesus. You dreamed a dream for your family, and then set about the hard work of living it out before us. You may think the words came hard for you, but the living came easy. You showed us your love every day in the ways that matter most.
In you, I have seen work motivated by love instead of duty. I have seen integrity mattering more in the private places of your life than in the public. I have seen loyalty driven by conviction. I have seen the steadfastness of your hope, built on eternal foundations. I have seen quiet strength rather than public displays of power.
I know I have said this before, but the greatest tribute I can give you is this: having you as my earthly father has made it so easy for me to love, trust, and obey my Heavenly Father. All I can humbly say, is thank you!
You shall raise up the foundations of many generations.
Isaiah 58:12
Rob, you joke that when my dad is in the room, I don’t really see you. I see you. I see a man who has had the courage to put his childish ways behind him from what I now see was such a young age. You have shouldered the responsibilities of manhood on your broad shoulders without complaining or shrinking back.
In an age of prolonged adolescence and a shortage of men who stand tall under the mantle of manhood, you stand head and shoulders above the crowd. The greatest compliment I can give you is to compare you to my Dad and I can say with confidence that in you I have also seen Jesus in the details. You have lived a life of consistency, loyalty, strength, and steadfastness in devotion to your family. I see your heart and how it longs to serve the Lord, and I am blessed.
You know how I often feel nervous at the thought of being measured. I am anxious about which qualities are being measured; knowing there are times I will be too much, and others I will not be enough. You have always made me feel like no matter what the world’s scales say about me, I am just right for you. We may have been young when we chose each other, but I know with all my heart, I chose well when I chose you!
And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
You shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
You shall be called the repairer of the breach,
The restorer of streets to dwell in.
Isaiah 58:12
A Space for Grace 