“Make your Dad truly happy by living right and showing sound
judgment." ~ Proverbs 23:24
As a general rule, Travis kept his
emotions to himself. He figured they
were clues he'd rather not share. But
today was different. Excitement wired
his body like being plugged directly into the main; his brain fast-forwarding with no ‘off’ switch.
After months of studying, practicing, and spending barrels of
money, he’d earned his Private Pilot License - a little piece of plastic that
allows you to fly legally. Today he’d take his first flight with a passenger –
his Dad.
After pre-flighting 1684W and adding a quart of oil, Travis returned
to the FBO dripping with sweat and exhausted from stress. He gave his Dad the full passenger briefing; weather
briefing, seatbelts, doors, what to do in an emergency, keeping an eye for
traffic, sterile cockpit limitations, and what to listen for on the radio. Then they hopped in, strapped up, started the
engine, and taxied for their run-up.
“Let’s make this bird soar,” he said, lacking the bravado
he’d hoped to muster.
The little Cessna took off into the wind and climbed to 1,500
feet staying below some scattered clouds.
As he’d been instructed, Travis talked incessantly; telling Dad what he
was doing, what he was about to do and why he did it. Banter not only helped calm his nerves but, as
a new pilot, it solidified the processes he learned in training.
Dad remained very quiet. Trying perhaps, not to disturb the pilot or
maybe just blissfully unaware, Travis speculated.
He coaxed the plane higher seeking smoother, cooler air
above the low scattered layer. They’d
just leveled off at 4,500’ when Dad finally spoke: “OK, we can land now.”
Travis’ jaw dropped faster than a loaf removed from an oven
too soon. He’d planned to circle the
Detroit skyline before returning to City airport. He calmly reminded his father of that. But he’d never forget what his father said
more than 30 years ago.
“I’m terrified of small planes,” he said with eyes as wide
as if someone was coming to deliver the fatal blow. “I just wanted you to know that I have
confidence in you, son!”
That’s what Dads do!
The best ones bolster our confidence!
And so much more. From
changing diapers and cleaning up vomit to helping with homework and having heartfelt
conversations with teenagers, real Dads today are all-in.
They teach life’s lessons by example. They share their faith with us, tell great
stories, and carry us with strong arms and such a warm touch. They spend time, not money - because they
know what really matters to kids. He
treats his children like the adults he wants them to become. And when there is nothing else left, he still
loves us no matter what.
Heavenly Father, thank You for guiding me, forgiving
me, and loving me. And thank You for my
own Dad – his work ethic, the way he shared his faith and for his rock-solid
integrity. Amen
