On October 9th, 61 years ago, a little boy named Thomas Harley McCall entered the world. He was the oldest of four children and set a Godly example for them when he, as a 12 year old boy, felt God's call upon his heart, even though he was not raised in a Christian home. He answered the calling to preach and later married his sweetheart, Carol. This wonderful man is my father and I have been so blessed to have his influence upon my life for all these years. There is so much I could say about him; here are a few things that we all love about him:
- His kind heart..he has never been known to be harsh, even when frustrated or upset. I never feared him as I was growing up, and never wanted to make him sad. He always feels for the underdog.
- His fun laugh...those of you who know him can recognize that laugh (and the red face to go with it).
- The way he has influenced his family and changed what could have been. One of the things that amazes me is how he faced the challenges from his unhappy childhood, and determined to do things differently as a father. He did not use his past as an excuse to live as he was raised, but has now set into place a new legacy.
- His interaction with his grandchildren. When around any of his 11 grandsons or 3 granddaughters, he can always be found hugging, holding, or playing with one or more of them. He has made his place in Montana a paradise for little boys (and girls) and my kids so love going there to see them. He is always ready to help little people tie shoes, eat their dinner, hold bottles, saddle up horses, or start four-wheelers. Not being able to grow up around a grandfather, I absolutely love to see him with my children. I hope they always know how blessed they are to have him in their lives.
- His absolute love for God...he has made a career out of studying the Scriptures, but beyond that, you can see a deep love of the Word of God. One of my favorite things to do with him late at night is to watch old Gaither movies, and before too long, I will always see his eyes wet with tears as he worships with the music.
- His model of marriage...he and my mom are the best of friends and it has been so enjoyable to watch them (especially since I've been married). He treats my mother so sweetly, and in turn, she spoils him to death. Dr. Laura would approve! I never once heard the word "divorce" in regards to them. What a treasure to be an observer of their relationship!
There really could be pages of things to say about him...I will leave with one last thought from my Lauren (as she is looking over my shoulder): "I love the way he is generous with donuts and how he doesn't like the smell of dirty diapers, but does love the smell of baby lotion."
He's truly a good and Godly man and I want to say "Happy Birthday!" I love you!
6 comments:
Enjoyed your posts and seeing the "new look."
Sweet words for your Dad...his tender and God-honoring heart is clearly evident to anyone who's met him.
The words to that song grip me as well...so grateful for His presence and patience in our lives. "contradictions" are uncomfortable but also how we discover the "good things", I think. Glad you were able to make that concert!
Julie,
What sweet words about your dad! Since he was our pastor for so many years, I can agree with your sentiments.
I can remember his kind, patient way with all of those rowdy children's church kids. I used to wish he would just come down hard on them...but he chose to be kind, and kindness always wins out.
You are blessed to have been raised and loved by such a godly man.
Sheila
REALLY great post, Jules! Your Dad is my hero for many reasons, but mostly for the role he played in shaping the man I love with all my heart. He is a exemplary Dad, par none.
I enjoyed the tribute to your Dad, too, Julie, though I don't personally know him. I do know what it's like to be able to feel that way about your dad, though, so I can idenitify! We are blessed gals, to be void of the oft-spoken-of "father wound".
I also enjoyed your post about the concert. So glad you got an impromptu night out...those times of refreshing are so important, aren't they?!
Julie,
What a great post about your dad. He hold a very special place in our heart and lives!
Made me cry--not very hard to do these days. But I really loved reading that about your dad. There is such a special relationship between fathers and their daughters. I know that your daughter will be writing some of the very same sentiments about her daddy as I am sure mine will too one day.
Only 6 more weeks til Jack comes. Very excited!
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