If you ask me, there is no time spent like time spent with a child. This past weekend I took a trip to northeast Louisiana to visit with my family and spend Father's Day with my dad. Yes, even in my 20s I am still proud to say that I am a daddy’s girl. And if you ask him, he’s just as proud to call me his “little princess”!
 
One thing in my life that I am especially thankful for is my relationship with my father. I feel so blessed to have such an incredible dad who has taken the time to truly invest in me. Whether I was setting the hook on a big bass, making a judgment call on a good buck or dancing in a recital, he has been right there encouraging me to stay true to myself, always give my best and trust in the Lord with all of my heart.

It's crazy when I think back to some days he and I have spent together afield. I often wonder if he knew that telling me to hold out for a mature buck would transfer over to a life lesson of patience, and holding myself to a higher standard than what the world expects (Philippians 1:27). Did he realize that encouraging me to get out of bed at 4 a.m. with a smile for that oh-so-chilly duck hunt would lead to a positive attitude concerning giving my best to the Lord (Colossians 3:23)? I could continue on, but it’s pretty amazing to me how the Lord used the great outdoors and my dad’s counsel to create the passions shaping the young woman I am today. While dad has shared with me so many life lessons through hunting and fishing tips, the one thing that I am forever grateful for is that he showed me the significance of having a personal relationship with my heavenly father, Jesus Christ. He didn’t do so forcefully; he shared by living it out, whether he was at home, in the office or in the woods, and that’s what it's all about. 
 
I would love to hear some of your memories spent with your father, or perhaps a father figure in your life. Let me encourage you, whether you are hunting, fishing, throwing a football or watching a dance recital, take time to encourage and invest in a child. Trust me … every hug, “great job,” and “I love you” is treasured, and can ultimately make all the difference in someone’s life.

“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is older he will not turn from it.”
 
Happy late Father’s Day to all the dads out there. I hope everyone has a great week!

As always, God bless and good hunting,
Ains
Proverbs 22:6