Celebrating my Dad’s 90th Birthday!

This past week my husband and I had the opportunity to go to Ekalaka, Montana to celebrate my dad’s 90th birthday, truly a milestone. Family gathered from Ohio, Wisconsin, and even Utah. My heart was full as we spent time celebrating, feasting, and forging fellowship around the table. I thought about the ultimate sublime soirée that awaits all those who say yes to God’s invitations and how this sweet celebration is only a foretaste of what awaits us in eternity.

Anyone who knows me well knows I have never been shy about sharing how much I love my dad and how grateful I am for his impact on my life. First, he was the one who introduced me to the greatest invitation that one could ever receive, and I said yes.

He also is one of my greatest examples of living a life well. I think of the many lives he has touched in his years of missions to China , as an Awana leader, through his career in social work, and through loving his neighbors, his church family, and his own family. He has lived a life fueled by sharing the good news of Jesus. He has lived open-handedly and has modeled for us what it looks like to invite others into your life. From random conversations with strangers, a tract or note at a hotel or restaurant, conversations with a Chinese student, and service to his local church he has had a passion to share the Good News.

I can’t believe he is 90 today! What a joy to have him all these years to learn from him, to run things by him, to hear his stories, and to have the gift of time. How wonderful to hear from others, to watch videos from people he ministered to in China, and to see and hear from many people who called and wrote to thank him for his impact on their lives. I think of the verse in Psalm 90:10, “We live about 70 years or, if we are strong, 80 years. But most of them are filled with hard work and pain. Then, suddenly, the years are gone, and we fly away.” What a blessing to have so many more years with him.

In Jesus’s parable of the talents, the Lord tells of two faithful servants who used what they had been given to increase the master’s wealth. When the master returned from a long absence, he rewarded his two faithful servants and said to each of them, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21, 23). Every Christian longs to hear those words.  I believe my father will hear those words when he sees Jesus face-to-face.

Who are you looking up to, friend? If not an earthly parent, do you have a spiritual parent’s example to follow? I am so thankful that I can continue to learn and grow from my dad so that I may also finish well. I am so thankful for him, my earthly father, and for our Heavenly Father who guides us both. To Him be all glory!

— Sue M. Lindsey (c) June 2024