"Feelin' Good"

I’ve spent the week preparing for today. I didn’t dread today nor did I make it any bigger of a deal than it is, but today is Dad’s 66th birthday. In lieu of the day, I could not help but think back on the 29 birthdays we shared, the fondest memories of which came just last year.
 
You see, this time last year I was pastoring on the island of Inagua in the Bahamas. As a result, I could not be with Dad in person and instead had to settle for an over-the-phone type celebration. Knowing that Dad always went to sleep early, I called a bit earlier than Mom and my “talk time” to make sure he was awake. “Hey Baby, Baby!” he answered as Mom passed him the phone. “Hey Daddy- Happy Birthday! I hate that I can’t be there to celebrate with you.” With a grin I could hear through the phone he replied, “Ohh I know what you doin’. You are over there preachin’, teachin’, talkin' to God, and helpin' people and that makes me feel soooooo good.” I chuckled with an affirmative, “Yes Daddy, that’s exactly what I’m doin’.”
 
I still smile as I think of that interaction with Dad. Though I don’t write about him as often as Mom, Dad was a huge supporter of me in ministry. He was literally at every preaching engagement that was within driving distance (He’d tag along with Mom) and on those engagements that were too far or too late or too whatever for him to attend, I’d always get a call or word of encouragement, “Kiya, did the people like your preachin’? I know they did!" On November 6, Dad was feeling ill, yet was determined to attend my preaching engagement. I spoke with him the evening before, "Dad, I know you don't feel good. I'll be alright" To which he responded, "What time you gonna pick me up?" Little did I know that November 6th, 2016 would be the last sermon Dad heard prior to his death and the last time I'd have a parent in the audience to hear me preach. 
 
Today I write this post for Dad. I write this post because through it all, I am still “preachin’, teachin’, talkin' to God, and helpin' people” and I know that it still makes him "feel good." Happy Birthday, Daddy.