Christian Living

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A Father’s Smile
© 2008

by

Stephen A. Peterson


On January 23, 2008 began the worst ice storm in recorded Oklahoma history. During that storm, more than a half a million Oklahoma families experienced at least a week with no electrical power, therefore, no heat. As Stephen Weber attempted to make his family a comfortable as possible in the below freezing weather, he checked on his two daughters before going to bed. They both appeared to asleep. However, little 5 year old Terri whimpered: “I’m cold, daddy” Checking the other rooms of the house, Stephen was able to find a large comforter but it was so cold. Returning to the room he took off his Navajo wool bath robe, covered his youngest daughter followed by the comforter making certain her feet were tucked in. She was so quiet and motionless that he was certain she was asleep.

The day seemed like a long, extremely difficult with a house so cold and the weather outside so bad that regardless of the situation that as soon as he curled up within his sleeping bag he would be asleep.

“Daddy,” came a call from Terri. Sitting up Stephen hoped his daughter didn’t need anything else but he was ready, nonetheless to sacrifice whatever necessary for his child’s comfort.

“Yes, princess?” he responded.

“Thank you, daddy for giving me your wool bath robe. It’s nice and warm. I feel really warm now, daddy.”

Terri’s unexpected “thank you” from his daughter so touched his heart then caused him to smile in the cold, dark room where the other two family members stayed as well. Seldom do children express gratitude even though many parents work hard teaching their young in a world which often seems to have lost this particular art.

“You’re welcome,” Stephen responded. “Sweet dreams, princess.” he added cheerfully.

Stephen did not immediately go to sleep. Instead, he thought about how his daughter thanked him for what he considered his duty and responsibly for the welfare of his child. Prompted by his daughter’s gratitude, he began considering his own lack of gratitude he had toward his Heavenly Father. How many times has God provided him with his moment by moment needs and failed to thank Him. At that moment, Stephen stated, “Thank You, Father for all that You have given over the many minutes, hours and days of my life. Help me to give You more thanks. Thank you for giving me this daughter and this situation to remind me to give you unending Thanks.”

The Father smiled.

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